Help Sue Fight Stage 4 Kidney Cancer

Dear friends, family, and community members,

Sue Johnson, a beloved and respected member of the Helena and East Helena community for over 60 years, needs our help. After a life-altering accident last summer, Sue was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. What began as a tumor in her kidney has since spread to her ribs, arm, and spine, leaving her in a constant fight for her life. This devastating diagnosis has already forced her to undergo numerous medical procedures, including back surgery to remove a tumor near her spine, which led to complications and a broken arm. This was diagnosed 2 days later due to the pain in her arm. With her arm in a cast and stiches in her lower back, she was sent back home to heal.

Sue has also spent weeks in Salt Lake City undergoing radiation and traveling back and forth for consultations, follow-ups, and more treatments.

Unfortunately, Sue’s struggles haven’t ended there. Just last week, she was hospitalized after a perforated bowel required emergency surgery and a week-long stay in the hospital. To add to the hardship, she has been undergoing chemotherapy, both through IV and oral medications, for the past month. Now, she has stopped taking the pill for chemotherapy, because it may have caused the perforated bowel. As you can imagine, Sue’s medical journey has been physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.

Due to her diagnosis, Sue has been unable to work, and the mounting costs of treatment, travel, and healthcare premiums have put an immense financial strain on her and her family. She’s had to pay for out-of-pocket health insurance premiums while being unable to earn any income since September 2024. This financial burden is making an already difficult situation even more challenging.

How You Can Help:

To help alleviate some of the financial stress Sue is facing, we are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on March 29th at 5:00 PM at the Moose Lodge. The evening will feature a silent auction, tickets for prizes and a 50/50 drawing. All funds raised will go directly to Sue and her family to help with her medical expenses and living costs as she continues to fight cancer. If you are unable to attend, you can still show your support by donating here on this GoFundMe page or via Venmo.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a significant difference in Sue’s life during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity will not only help cover her medical expenses but also allow her to focus on her recovery without the overwhelming worry of financial hardship.

Sue’s Strength and Perseverance:

Sue has always been a pillar of strength in our community, and now it’s our turn to rally around her. Whether you are able to attend the fundraiser, purchase tickets for prizes, or simply make a donation, your support will provide her with much-needed relief as she continues her battle against cancer. Together, we can make sure that Sue knows she’s not fighting alone.

Thank you for your generosity, love, compassion, and support.