Help Justin While We Search for Answers

If you know Justin, you know he's spent the last 25 years of his life serving others in law enforcement. At just 42 years old, he's built his life around helping people, protecting his community, and being someone others can count on. He was even named McClain County's Deputy of the Year the last two years in a row. He has always been the person who shows up when someone needs help. Now, our family is facing a time when we are the ones who need help.

Over the past couple of years, Justin has developed tremors that we initially thought could be managed. But in recent months, things have taken a frightening turn. He's experienced increasing weakness, loss of strength and grip, dizziness, blurred vision, balance and coordination problems, and other symptoms that have made everyday tasks increasingly difficult.

By August, his symptoms had progressed to the point that he could no longer safely perform his normal duties at work. For someone who has dedicated 25 years to law enforcement and loves being out on the road serving his community, this has been heartbreaking. We still don't know what his future in law enforcement will look like, and that uncertainty has been incredibly difficult for him.

We've started the process of trying to find answers. His testing has confirmed that there is a neurological disorder, but we still don't have a definitive diagnosis. His doctors are continuing to investigate what is causing these symptoms, and we are waiting for more answers. There are still so many unknowns, and living in that uncertainty is scary.

As his wife, watching the person you love struggle with things that once came naturally to him is something I can't fully put into words. We are trying to stay hopeful, take things one appointment at a time, and find our way through a situation we never imagined facing at this stage of our lives.

Along with the emotional toll, we are now facing a very real financial hardship. Justin has run out of paid sick leave. He now has to go without a paycheck for 30 days before he can qualify for short-term disability. If approved it will only cover 60% of his income. We don't know how long this situation will last, when we will have answers, or what his ability to work will look like moving forward.

We are doing everything we can to keep life as stable as possible for our children while making sure Justin gets the care and testing he needs. Donations will help us cover essential household expenses, including our rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, medical costs, transportation to appointments, and other everyday necessities while we navigate this uncertain time.

Asking for help is not easy. Justin has spent his life being the one people turn to, and accepting help is not something that comes naturally to either of us. But sometimes life puts you in a position where you have to let others show up for you, just as you've tried to show up for them.

If you're able to donate, please know that every single dollar will make a difference for our family. If donating isn't possible, sharing our fundraiser, keeping Justin in your thoughts and prayers, or simply following along with our journey means more than you know.

We plan to continue sharing updates as we learn more about Justin's condition. We hope that by documenting this journey, we might also connect with other families who are facing similar uncertainties and remind them that they aren't alone.

Right now, we're taking things one day at a time, holding on to hope, and trying to navigate the unknown together.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for caring about Justin, and for helping us through one of the hardest chapters of our lives. We are incredibly grateful for every act of kindness and support. ❤️

With love and gratitude,

The Johnston Family