Survivor: Joanie Cunningham

Photo: Courtesy Albany Medical

Joanie Cunningham of Joanie’s Goodies, has been given a new lease on life, after doctors removed an  undiagnosed life threatening paralyzing virus, which she has battled with for more than two and a half years.

“It’s a miracle, we were at the end,” Joanie’s husband Greg told Schroon Laker today.

The last surgery, six weeks ago at Albany Med, removed a section of pelvic bone which the virus had attacked. It was surgery number 17.

“If the doctors hadn’t got it (the virus) then, it was headed to her spinal column,” Greg said.

With Joanie’s second chance, Greg said she is determined to re-open her  bakery and Mexican restaurant in time for the 4th of July.

“We didn’t expect we’d be open this season. He had tried to lease the restaurant, but that didn’t work out. Now we are ordering supplies and getting ready to open before the 4th, shooting for July 2nd.

 Greg said  he is looking to staff up both the bakery and soft serve ice cream section of the restaurant, as well as El Mexicana, which the couple unveiled last year.