Hi! My name is Shannon.

My brother, Shon Johnson, is facing one of the toughest battles of his life. Recently, he was diagnosed with 2 different types of incurable blood cancers.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare, chronic blood cancer where the bone marrow produces too many blood cells, mainly red blood cells, causing thick blood, slow circulation, and high clot risk. Driven by a JAK2 mutation in >95% of cases, it is managed—not cured—through phlebotomy, blood thinners, and chemotherapy to reduce thrombosis.

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a rare, chronic blood cancer and type of myeloproliferative neoplasm where scar tissue (fibrosis) replaces healthy bone marrow, forcing blood production to shift to the spleen and liver. 

This news has been devastating for all of us, and the emotional and financial toll has been overwhelming. Despite the challenges, my brother continues to fight with courage and determination every day.

On, Feb 28, 2026, he started his chemo treatment that he will be on the rest of his life. The chemo is to lower the high blood and platelet counts and keep the cancers from progressing further to AML.

He is a tattoo artist and is unable to work at the moment as he is not able to sit in one position for a long time due to an enlarged spleen (5 times the normal size). With the inability to work and the costs associated with his treatment are immense. Between copayments, ongoing medical bills, and the need for daily chemotherapy, the expenses are quickly adding up.

Our family is doing everything we can to support him, but we have reached a point where we need to ask for help from our community. Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward easing the financial burden of his care and ensuring he can access the treatments he needs.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Your support means the world to us and gives my brother hope as he continues his fight.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering a donation to help my brother during this incredibly difficult time.

Shannon