Co-Founder and Director, The Joy to Life Foundation
With a heart for service and a vision for improving the lives of others, Joy Blondheim embarked on a journey to make a difference in her community. After beating breast cancer herself, Blondheim and her husband, Dickie, founded the Joy to Life Foundation where she has dedicated herself to providing breast cancer screenings and support services to underserved women and men across Alabama. Her story is one of passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Blondheim epitomizes the spirit of compassion and resilience. She has shared her inspiring journey and insights from her experiences.
What would you tell your younger self?
There is so much we learn with age. I am loaded with advice for my younger self! Keep calm and don’t sweat the small stuff! Life will throw big challenges your way, so save your energy for those challenges. It is ok if you can’t finish everything in a day, but don’t let procrastination sneak in. Stay on top of your schedule. Own up to your mistakes—mistakes are part of the learning process. Be brave enough to admit when you are wrong. Learn to say “No” when necessary. It’s a powerful skill to protect your time and energy. Embrace confidence as you journey through life. It will be tough at times, but it will make you stronger in the long run.
In retrospect, would you change your path?
No! Life is not perfect! I believe that life’s imperfections and challenges have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Despite experiencing both positive and negative aspects of life, I embrace all the ups and downs without any regrets. I value the lessons I have learned from every experience, making me appreciate the goodness of life.
What practical business advice do you have for young business owners and operators in Central Alabama?
Don’t hesitate to seek advice and assistance from seasoned professionals. Experience is the best teacher, and that experience can offer priceless insights to help you succeed in your business endeavors.
What are your proudest achievements?
Of course, I am most proud of my family—including my husband, children, and grandchildren. My husband Dickie and I consider one of our greatest achievements in life to be the creation of the Joy to Life Foundation for breast cancer.
What pivotal moments or decisions played a role in your success?
In 1997, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was successfully treated. It was the moment my life changed forever. For my husband and me, my cancer journey was the most difficult time in our lives. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction followed by nine months of chemotherapy. I didn’t think I would live a year; however, 27 years later, I am healthy and happy. In 2001, it was one of our proudest moments to make the Joy to Life Foundation a reality. The Joy to Life Foundation provides breast cancer awareness for all Alabamians and provides breast screenings (mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, and office visits) for women and men who cannot afford them in Alabama.
JUST FOR FUN:
Go to Tunes
‘50s and ’60s of course!
Guilty Pleasure
Cake Design’s cupcakes and birthday cake and a lemon drop martini rimmed with sugar at City Grill!
If You Could Have Dinner with Anyone (Dead or Alive) Who Would It Be and Why?
My father died when I was only 24 years old and even now, I miss him every day—I miss his love, his wisdom, and his wonderful lessons about life, and I have always wished I could have had more time with h
