Terry's Journey - By Faith
We are reaching out with heavy hearts and unwavering faith as Terry faces Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma, an aggressive form of kidney cancer that has already spread beyond the kidney. Terry is currently recovering from thoracic spine surgery where the surgeon fused C5-7 and rebuilt around T1, 2, and 3. This surgery was performed to de-bulk a lemon-sized tumor that was choking out his spinal cord and causing severe bone damage. From recent scans (7/21), we learned that the tumor is still very large and has potentially grown since surgery.
"Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), also known as stage 4 kidney cancer, is when kidney cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is the most advanced stage of kidney cancer, and it is not typically curable, but treatments can help control the cancer and relieve symptoms."
Terry is a devoted husband, a loving father of five (one of whom we lost as an infant and carry in our hearts every day), and a faithful man of God who has always worked hard to provide for his family or lend a helping hand to friends in need. He also serves on the worship team at our church, using his gifts to glorify God and help lead others in praise and worship.
Due to the seriousness of this illness and the treatments required, Terry will no longer be able to work - or at least for a very long time. This sudden loss of income has placed a tremendous financial burden on our family at a time when we should be focused on healing, hope, and guiding our children.
We are humbly asking for your help - through prayer, encouragement, and if you're able, financial support. Donations will go directly toward:
- Everyday living expenses (rent, food, utilities, phone bills, etc.)
- Medical bills, treatments, and medications
- Travel costs for appointments and care as his thoracic spine surgery for the tumor took place at UVA and we are uncertain where else we may have to travel. Car rentals will be necessary as we do not have a reliable vehicle to drive very far. Charity may soon need to find a "new"/used vehicle especially regarding the circumstances. A reliable vehicle is absolutely necessary.
- Support for our children during this difficult time and any needs they may have. We want life to remain as normal as possible for them and our girls have youth trips with church coming up.
We know God is with us and believe that He will provide - and sometimes, He does that through the kindness of others. If you are able to give, please know that no amount is too small; and, if you can't give financially, we ask that you please pray for Terry's strength, peace, and healing. We know from experience that prayer is powerful and changes everything.
Thank you for walking with us through this valley. Your love and support mean more than words can express.
God is in control.
He is our hope and our stronghold. We know that even if it doesn't make sense in our mind at times, God ultimately has good plans for Terry and our family. The path may be filled with curves that we weren't expecting, but regardless of what the future holds - He holds us.
It is well.
With gratitude and hope,
The Johnson Family
Organizer
Charity Johnson
Organizer
Elizabethton, TN