Our dear friend Mitch Johnson, also known around town as Maple’s dad, has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It’s a serious and aggressive cancer, and Mitch has a long road ahead. We’re rallying around his family to help cover out-of-pocket medical costs and unexpected childcare expenses over the next year and beyond.

More than anything, Mitch wants to get well, go home, and continue being the thoughtful, gregarious, big-hearted human we all love.

A Family Rooted in Winona

Mitch and his wife Marcie Ratliff have lived in Winona for almost 15 years. They are raising their spunky 3-year-old daughter, Maple, and are expecting a baby boy in March 2026. Before getting sick, Mitch was Maple’s full-time parent, and Marcie serves as Executive Director at Engage Winona, a local community nonprofit. Mitch’s steadfast care at home makes Marcie’s community leadership possible.

They are a simple, joyful, outdoorsy family often seen wandering the library stacks, watching for eagles at the lake, exploring the Farmers Market, taking classes at ECFE, and spending mornings at the YMCA.

What Happened

Mitch first became sick on October 12, with sudden fever, chills, fatigue, and night sweats. It looked like the flu at first, then a possible tick-borne illness, then an autoimmune condition that was treated for nearly a month. But when he started to feel worse the week of November 17, Mitch trusted his instincts and went back to his doctor.

His primary care physician at Winona Health caught the signs: an extremely high white blood cell count. He was immediately transported to Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, where a bone marrow biopsy confirmed the leukemia.

Who Mitch Is

Mitch is one of the best humans you will ever meet. He and Marcie met as students at Winona State and just celebrated their 10th anniversary. They served together in the Peace Corps in South Africa, an experience that deepened their belief in community and caring for others.

He’s a devoted dad, a loyal friend, and a brilliant thinker and communicator. Mitch can talk for hours about The Grateful Dead, Lord of the Rings, world history, Russian novels, and good food. He loves live music and supports Winona’s arts scene whenever he can. He’s a very active guy who loves running in the bluffs, hiking the Superior Hiking Trail, and finding joy in movement and nature. He's a great listener who also has a unique and frequently-shared ability to tell people things that make them feel good about themselves. He loves nothing more than to cook for people.

Why We’re Fundraising

This diagnosis upends every part of Mitch and Marcie's life: health, income, childcare, and stability. Mitch will be in treatment for a long time, and the family is preparing for a year and more of intense uncertainty.

Your support will help cover:

$7,500: Mitch's out-of-pocket medical maximum for 2025

$8,200: Mitch's out-of-pocket medical maximum for 2026

$18,000: Unexpected childcare and infant care costs

$5,000: Additional expenses (food, babysitting, gas to and from La Crosse, car maintenance, etc.)

Every contribution, large or small, helps ease the burden on this family so they can focus on what matters: Mitch’s healing, the arrival of their new baby, and caring for Maple.

If preferred, checks can be sent directly to the family.

Thank you for showing up for Mitch, for Marcie, and for their growing family. Your generosity and love mean more than words.