Support Darrick Johnson's Remarkable Recovery

Darrick Johnson suffered a stroke sometime during the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for intervention and treatment. The occlusion (blockage causing the stroke) was in the Basilar Artery, part of the brainstem at the base of the brain on the backside of the head. It affected speech, muscle strength in his mouth and throat, control of parts of his body (in his case, the right side, including the arm and leg), balance, etc. Darrick was in intensive care for over seven weeks, and was in and out of consciousness during that time. After he was eventually stabilized, he was moved to a rehabilitation hospital where he remains.

There, he has made progress that is almost beyond belief. He had to start with the basics, and has learned to breathe on his own, to eat, speak, and he is re-learning to use his arms and legs. His stamina, his energy, his commitment are truly remarkable, and inspiring not only to those who know him, but to the residents and staff where he is being treated. The prospects are good that he will be released from in-patient care in the next couple of months, perhaps in October. But there is still a long way to go.

Darrick will not be able to return to his beloved home due to its lack of accessibility. He and his husband, Bill Gordon, will relocate to an accessible apartment closer to where his rehab treatment will continue.

Many, many folks have asked during the past several months "what can we do?" The answer until now has been to offer your moral support, your prayers, invocations, or whatever spiritual help you can. But as the path forward is being revealed, it is clear that financial support is also in order. Darrick will require a customized wheel chair, as well as other special equipment to assist in his mobility and daily life. As you can imagine, the medical expenses are significant, far beyond what is covered by insurance.

Darrick is the kind of guy who has always looked out for everyone around him. His heart of gold is apparent to anyone who has met him. Now is the time for all of us who know him to do what we can to support Darrick and his husband Bill in this time of need.

Please give whatever you can, and share this with whomever you think might know Darrick or be in a position to help. If you haven't seen it already, I would encourage you to visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/Darrickjohnsonfor regular updates from Darrick and his husband Bill on his journey to recovery.

Thank you!