.png)
Joan Ference
Compassionate Advocate. Dedicated Leader. Tarlov Cyst Survivor.
Joan Ference brings over five decades of lived experience to her role as Treasurer of the Tarlov Cyst Society. Diagnosed with Tarlov Cyst Disease after years of unexplained pain, Joan’s journey is one of resilience, strength, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Despite enduring years of debilitating symptoms—numbness, nerve pain, and difficulty walking or sitting for extended periods—Joan chose to focus not on what she had lost, but on what she could give.
In 2024, Joan and her husband took a bold step to support the Tarlov Cyst community by personally funding the Tarlov Cyst Society’s registration as a national charity in Canada. Her generosity, paired with her quiet determination, helped lay the foundation for an organization dedicated to raising awareness, supporting research, and empowering patients.
Joan continues to serve the Society with compassion and care, ensuring transparency and accountability in our financial stewardship. Her leadership is a powerful reminder that one person’s courage and compassion can help ignite change for an entire community.