Hello everyone, my name is Karen. I have been friends with Crystal for 15 years, since we first worked together at St. Paul’s Lutheran Home in Melville. We later went on to attend university together and became Social Workers side by side.

Over the years, both Crystal and Scott have been there for me time and time again, never asking for anything in return. They are the kind of people who show up for others without hesitation, offering kindness, support, and genuine care.

Now, as Scott faces declining health, I want to be able to show up for them in the same way they have always shown up for others. This fundraiser is a small way for me to give back and help ease some of the burden during this incredibly difficult time. Scott and Crystal are not ones to ask for help, which is why I am asking on their behalf.

Scott and Crystal have been together since they were young and have shared 29 years together. They have built a beautiful life, and together they have three daughters: Kelsey, Hayley, and Daihja.

Scott was awaiting admission to the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre following a vehicle accident in November 2022, where he broke his back. He has been receiving SGI work benefits for the past two years.

On February 5, 2026, Crystal came home to find Scott in respiratory distress and rushed him to the Esterhazy Hospital, where there were initial concerns about a lung disease. He was later transferred to Yorkton Hospital and admitted to the ICU.

On March 4, 2026, Scott met with a lung specialist in Regina and was diagnosed with a very advanced and severe case of pulmonary fibrosis. It is believed to have developed during his working years, though it is not possible to determine which job may have caused it due to the extensive scarring and progression in his lungs.

On March 30, 2026, Crystal was fortunately home from work that day and checked on Scott, noticing once again that he was in respiratory distress. She then rushed him to the Esterhazy Hospital, where it was discovered that his oxygen levels had dropped dangerously low to 52%. He was again transported by ambulance to Yorkton and admitted to the ICU, where he was treated for pneumonia.

Scott has been told that without an urgent lung transplant, his life expectancy may be limited to approximately two years. When his oxygen levels drop, he becomes severely confused and disoriented, which can make him a danger to himself - this is where Crystal becomes his eyes, ears, and lifeline.

He is currently awaiting a neurology consult, and when he sleeps, his oxygen levels decrease further. As a result, his specialist is also hoping for Scott to be seen urgently by a sleep clinic. At present, the sleep clinic has a two-year waiting list. The lung specialist is trying to have Scott seen urgently but cannot make any promises.

Scott is now considered immunocompromised and has been placed on oxygen indefinitely.

In addition to his urgent need for a lung transplant, Scott is also experiencing severe swelling in his legs and continues to suffer from debilitating pain related to his back injury 2022. He cannot sleep for more than two hours at a time due to significant back pain. His admission to Wascana Rehabilitation has had to be put on hold due to his declining lung condition, delaying his recovery and healing from his back injuries.

When Scott becomes eligible to be placed on the transplant list, travel to Edmonton or Toronto will be required for the surgery, along with numerous upcoming appointments in Regina and Saskatoon. Due to him being on SGI work benefits, SGI will only cover costs associated with his back injuries; the ambulance fees have not been covered, which alone are $3,500.

Crystal has taken time off work to be by Scott’s side during his hospital stays and to ensure his safety at home. She has now had to reduce her work hours to continue caring for him. Their daughters, Hayley and Daihja, support their mom as much as they can, but this has placed significant emotional and financial strain on the entire family.

Please know that this is an incredibly difficult time for the Johnson family. If you see them out in the community, Crystal, Hayley, and Daihja may not always have the capacity to speak about Scott’s rapidly declining condition in that moment. Offering a smile or a kind gesture can mean so much; however, please be mindful that updates are easier for them to provide in their own time over the phone, when they have the capacity to do so.

If you are unable to donate, please know that Scott and Crystal understand that this does not reflect your level of care or support. Sharing this fundraiser and keeping them in your thoughts and prayers is deeply appreciated.

To know Scott is to love Scott. You are guaranteed to have laughed your ass off, as his quick wit and jokester personality have always brought joy to those around him. He is a hardworking man who is deeply family-oriented - he loves his wife, his children, and his grandchildren even more.

Scott has always helped others in anyway that he could. Even in the ICU Scott was rescuing Crystal from the side of the road with a flat tire by calling on friends to be there for him when he couldn’t be.

Now it’s our turn to help him and be there for him. Please consider leaving a donation, a kind word, or sharing this fundraiser.