Let's Ease Johnnie's Daily Struggles

Hi. My name is Kim. I've known Johnnie Christian since I was in 9th grade. He built a house in the empty lot next door to ours where we always played football and rode gocarts. I was not happy. But then I got to know him. He was the coolest guy EVER. Like a big brother and uncle rolled into one. He worked at Zales at the mall so when I wanted to buy a present for my mom, Johnnie helped me get the best value for my money. Then he went to work for a car dealership and when I turned 16, he brought home a car for me to take my driver's test in.

Soon after that he met Carolyn. She became my mom's best friend and BINGO buddy. They were inseparable. They've always been there for us. Not many people can say they've had neighbors that great for over 40 years. When my mom died, they stepped up and helped wherever they could. When my dad died, he was a pallbearer. He's always been young and strong and wonderful in my eyes.

He has always had the most beautiful lawn. He's always done his own yard work and he was the first person I ever knew that had a sprinkler system and perfectly straight lines in his mowed grass. In recent years though, he started using a walker and having trouble getting around. When I saw him the other day on a scooter, pulling his trash cans down to the curb, he finally told me that he has Multiple Sclerosis.

He doesn't know that I came in the house and cried. (I guess he knows now since he's read this before I posted it.) I told him that if there was anything I could do, to please let me know. When Carolyn knocked on my door and told me that he wanted to talk to me, I went over immediately. We talked about what all he has going on and I hooked him up with some local services that can help.

But it's not enough. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that in MS the immune system—which normally protects us from viruses, bacteria, and other threats—mistakenly attacks healthy cells. He's in constant pain and there is no cure. He can't walk anymore. He can't stand for very long. Getting around in his home...the home he painstakingly built when he was only 3 years older than my youngest child...is becoming increasingly difficult.

He needs our help. I know that a lot of you know him and love him like I do. I know he has made a difference in your lives and that you have your own Johnnie stories. And I know you'd do anything to help.

So here's what I'm asking. I want you to think about what it would feel like to be in a home that you've lived in for over 40 years. A home that you created to feel warm and safe and comfortable. Now imagine that you are a a prisoner in your home and that you can't go into some of the rooms or get into your closets or tubs. Your safe haven no longer feels like a comfortable nest, but like an obstacle course that requires Herculean effort to navigate.

While the ideal would be to have a team come over and make the changes, that's just not realistic. For them to hire someone to make the modifications to their home, they're going to need money to hire a contractor to come in and do the work. They also need help with expenses because doctor's visits, therapy, and daily life are overwhelming when you're in constant pain.

Please do what you can. Share this with your friends. Share this with his friends. Share this with Carver Tigers. Share this with car salesmen. Share this with people who take care of their lawns. Share this with people you love. Share this with people who are in a position to help.