My mother is strong beyond words. She shares love and compassion with every person she meets. She has a heart that is gentle and kind, but she is also a fighter when life calls for it. As many of you already know, it’s been quite a fight these past few years. She has been battling a host of complex gastrointestinal issues. She’s endured a multitude of diagnosis’s, tests, appointments, procedures and medical interventions. To compound the problem she was diagnosed with a nasty autoimmune called Sjogrens disease. This newest fight will require her to receive surgery and treatment. This already expensive procedure will be made all the more challenging by the fact that her doctors would like her to seek specialized consultations at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. She will have an initial consultation with the potential for surgery and aftercare at Mayo. If they can perform the surgery in Rochester, she will need to find lodgings and amenities. I have created this fund request in the hopes to alleviate the stress and concerns associated with flights, room, board, surgery and treatment. She was able to secure an appointment in two short weeks! So these funds will surely help speedy the process! This account also serves as a request for prayers: prayers for insight into her disease, insight for those who will be treating her and performing surgery, prayers for comfort, as well as for a speedy recovery. Every prayer and every word of encouragement welcomed!  Thank you all for your support and generosity. **As a positive in what is a undoubtedly scary situation, she will have access to specialists for Sjogrens, of which are not available in the state of Alaska.**

Thank you for taking the time to pray and support my mother! I know that she would never ask for something like this, but I think we can all agree she deserves the world. 

With sincerest gratitude,
Hannah (Bjornstad) Johnston