Support for Medical Expenses in Memory of Mom

I try not to ask for help, but this is one of the times it’s unfortunately needed.

On Wednesday, May 8th, the world lost a truly young, caring, and compassionate mom. That mom was my mom.

Unfortunately, the story starts nine months ago where my mom, Jennifer Johnson, was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma. Even with the removal of said affected organs, the cancer had spread and was not isolated anymore. It had progressed to her pelvis and lungs. We knew we were on borrowed time with potentially 3-5 years. At 54, it wasn’t truly long enough.

On May 7th, my sister awoke and found my mom unresponsive. My mom was airlifted to the U of M Fairview and immediately admitted to the ICU. We anxiously waited and prayed for good news.

On May 8th, I was informed that I was to say my final goodbyes. Something I wasn’t even remotely prepared for as I clung to the optimism that she would be better in the next coming days. What was hypothesized was that due to the side effects of chemo and the medication she was on, her heart had contracted an irregular heartbeat paired with low potassium from the constant nausea she experienced after chemo. This caused Cardiac Arrest and ultimately my mom’s death.

I’m grateful that my sister had found my mom within the time that she did. I am also grateful for how quickly first responders appeared on scene. However, the wait for the life flight and time in between finding her and admitting to the ICU proved fatal as my mom wasn’t able to get enough oxygen to your vital organs. Even with CPR and the Lucas Device. I’m grateful for my sister’s quick thinking and the first responders as we would not have been able to say goodbye to her.

My mom left this Earth on May 8th at 3:58 PM at the age of 54. Nine months after being diagnosed with cancer. A stark difference from the short three years we believed we were going to have with her. She passed 5 days before we would be able to celebrate her for Mothers Day. I was never able to give her my gift, a personalized book highlighting how much I loved her and cherished her - something I know that would have brought tears of joy. We were going to go on a vacation in September in case my mom wouldn’t have the opportunity to go next year. That vacation will never come.

As we struggle with the loss, we are worried about the pending bills of the paramedics, life flight, and ICU stay that insurance won’t cover in addition to the funeral arrangements we need to make. I sincerely appreciate your time just in hearing our story and sharing in our loss. If you would like to donate, even just a small amount, that would mean the world to us.

If you have donated, I hope you truly realize how grateful and appreciative we are. Through this process we have been surrounded by loving and caring individuals who have offered their support and prayers. Thank you