Aanniin. My name is Stephanne. I am the daughter of the beloved Dianne (Atkinson) Johnson, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

My incredible mother has been quite literally fighting for her life the last month. She didn't want me to share her story for quite some time, so I respected her wishes and only told who she wanted me to share with. Now, she is ready to tell her story, and I am ready to ask you for your help.

A little less than a month ago, my MaMa started to experience some symptoms that she mistakenly took for a pulled muscle. After having severe pain in her lower right quadrant and fatigue for six days straight, she finally agreed to let me take her in. What she assumed was something minor, my instincts told me otherwise...

She ended up having appendicitis, which made her appendix burst, and there was so much swelling and infection that it ended up rupturing her colon as well. The surgeon (I forgot his name, I'm so sorry! I will find out and update this later) was PHENOMENAL. A fairly simple procedure ended up turning into everyone's worst nightmare. He had her in surgery for over 12 hours straight.

He was able to clean everything out really well and successfully removed the damaged parts of all the organs. But he had my MaMa open for far too long and ended up not being able to reattach her organs, essentially leaving both her kidneys and her bowel outside of her body. He said there was far too much inflammation and infection to do so successfully. I agreed he did what was best for her.

My mother spent about 3 weeks in the I.C.U. at MyMichigan Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, before she was discharged to Medi-Lodge, which is basically a long-term and short-term assisted living home.

She wasn't even there a week before she went into kidney failure and was rushed to the Emergency Department at MyMichigan.

Again, I can't remember THIS doctor's name either (I am truly terrible with names!), but he agreed she needed to be transferred downstate to McLaren Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan for further medical treatment and to start kidney dialysis.

Ace and I sat with her in the E.R. until the ambulance arrived to bring her downstate.

My MaMa arrived shortly at 7 pm down in Petoskey. I am waiting to hear from the new doctor or nurse to figure out a game plan.

Of course, thoughts, prayers, and positive vibes/wishes are welcomed and encouraged, but love and hugs don't pay the bills. My MaMa was working full-time prior to getting so sick. And she is still fighting for her life as we speak.

Let's try to give her one less thing to worry about. Her rent is paid for this month, but as you all know (or maybe you don't), I am an only child and I am also a single mom myself. I have my own bills and I am willing to admit, I can only do so much.

My MaMa has helped to take care of so many others and their loved ones throughout the years. She has been a CNA, an in-home private nurse, and a live-in caretaker for decades. If my MaMa has ever touched your life, blessed you in some way, please think about a small donation to help her get through this extremely difficult time.

I had to beg my mom to let me make this GoFundMe. She is not one to reach out and ask for help. She's truly worked way too hard her ENTIRE life. Let's all come together and work together to help her get back on her feet.

She's already been without income for an entire month, and unfortunately, especially with her needing another surgery AFTER her kidney dialysis and kidney function restores, she still needs to undergo an additional surgery to reattach the healthy part of her organs, essentially putting her two kidneys and bowel back into her body.

My MaMa, Dianne (Atkinson) Johnson, is a warrior and so very strong. However, her poor body has been through SO much the last month. And I hate to say it, but she's not as young as she used to be. She needs to rest as much as possible. And the more money we raise, the less stress she will have, and the more she can focus on getting better.

I know it's selfish, but I'm not ready for my mother's amazing light to be forever gone from this world. So please, keep the prayers and positive vibes coming!!! We need another miracle for MaMa. Lord knows she's created miracles for others. ❤️