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Story:  In December of 2007, JoAnn Burns was diagnosed with LeioMyoSarcoma (LMS), a rare form of cancer of smooth muscle cells.  At that time she underwent major surgery and then received chemotherapy from January until May. In June of 2010 she was found to have a reoccurrence and will begin chemotherapy once again.

JoAnn was raised in Sioux Falls, and attended grade school at Mark Twain, junior high at Edison, and high school at Washington High.  She was employed over the years at the Sioux Falls Credit Bureau, the Good Samaritan Center, and NW Bell.  For over fifteen years, JoAnn worked for Quest in directory assistance. After retirement about six years ago, she began working for Lewis Drug as a telephone board operator. She has been employed there for over five years.

JoAnn has one son Todd. She loves to dance to country music - especially Aussie country music. She also enjoys crocheting beautiful afghans for many friends. She believes that laughter heals and that one must take life on life's terms. JoAnn feels that even though she does not like having cancer, she must accept it. One of her favorite sayings is, “The Guarding Angels of life fly so high, as to be beyond sight. But they are still looking down upon us.”