Save Santa's Smile: Help my Dad Fight Pancreatic Cancer

Scott Johnson has always been a real-life hero—not just to me, but to countless people whose lives he's touched through his compassion, generosity, and genuine love for others.

Recently, our world was shaken by heartbreaking news: my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that has already spread to his liver. As you may know, this diagnosis carries a grim prognosis. While the odds are heavy, my dad is facing them with the same courage and grace he's shown his entire life.

Now, I'm asking for help; not just for him, but for all of us who love him and can't imagine a world without his smile, his strength, his Santa suit, or his Harley.

A Heart as Big as Santa's Bag

If you've ever met my dad, you probably know him as Santa Claus, a role he takes on with unmatched joy and authenticity. He's not only donned the red suit with pride, but he's also graduated twice from the prestigious Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School. For him, being Santa isn't simply about holiday cheer or the cookies, it's about showing kindness, sharing joy, and bringing smiles to faces both young and old.

But he is so much more than Santa. He's an avid Harley rider with the Prairie Thunder Hogs group and is a proud participant in the annual Nation of Patriots "Patriot Ride" that supports disabled veterans across the U.S. Many years ago, he served as a volunteer firefighter in Lincoln, Missouri, where he was always ready to run toward danger to help someone in need. He has obtained various career titles in his lifetime, including working as a heavy-duty parts salesman, the owner and sole-operator of Helping Hands Home Repair, a long-haul trucker, and currently delivers essential medications to nursing homes throughout Kansas.

He is the guy who will stop his truck to help a fallen stranger, who hand-delivers blankets to the homeless and toys to hospitalized children during Christmas time, and the dad who donated our last puppy to a family in need of a seeing-eye dog. He's the neighbor who never says "no" when someone asks for help and is the type of father most only dream of having. He is brave, selfless, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically himself.

One of the clearest pictures of his selflessness is the love he has for his two English Mastiffs. Moose and Mini are not just dogs, they're his family. Even on his hardest days, when his appetite fades or money is tight, he always makes sure they're cared for first. I've watched him choose to go without, so they never have to, because that's just who he is.

Why We Need Your Help

Cancer is cruel—not just in how it affects the body, but in how it disrupts everything. With mounting medical bills, treatment costs, and regular living expenses, we're doing everything we can to make sure my dad doesn't have to choose between working and fighting for his life.

We've set a goal of $20,000 to help cover the cost of his care, keep up with monthly bills, and ensure his beloved Moose and Mini are cared for too. This would allow him the time and space to focus on treatment and spend precious moments with those who love him—without the heavy burden of financial stress.

Every donation—any amount, big or small—helps lift the weight of this burden and brings us closer to stability, hope, and peace of mind,

My Dad Gave Me Everything, Now I Want to Give Back.

I have been blessed to grow up with a father who not only taught me how to love, but how to live—with purpose, humor, resilience, and a servant's heart. He has been my rock, my teacher, and my greatest supporter. It's my turn to show him the same unconditional love he's shown to me and so many others.

If you can donate, thank you from the bottom of my family's heart. If you can't, please consider sharing this page, sending prayers, or leaving words of encouragement. Anything you can provide is graciously accepted.

Please help me show my dad that the love he's poured onto others and into the world is coming back to him, tenfold.

With Love & Gratitude,

Abbie Johnson