Support for Vinnie Johnson During Great Hardship

Heather Bennett is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi, my name is Heather Bennett, and I am fundraising for my fiancé, Vinnie Johnson. This fantastic person that I have been fortunate enough to know and love for the past eleven years has suffered one hardship after another, particularly in the last three years. In November 2020, his mother passed away. The very next year, in early October, his beloved dog, Gizmo, had to be put down. Then, in November of this year, only two days ago from writing this, his father passed away. I have seen each loss crush him, and I feel so helpless. On top of this, Vinnie's health has continued to provide him with further stress and difficulty. He has been living with Ulcerative Colitis, migratory degenerative enteropathic polyarthritis, and antiphospholipid antibodies since he was a teenager. Being diagnosed with these conditions so early in his life has greatly limited his ability. It changed his entire life trajectory and forced him to abandon many things he enjoyed. Even things like trips and photography are more challenging for him now. He lives in constant pain, and each year yet another health issue or new pain rears its ugly head.

But despite all of this, Vinnie remains the kind and supportive person he always has been. He has always fought for me during my hardships, even when he was hurting in ways I can't possibly fathom. Everyone who knows him is aware of his infectious sense of humor, spectacular sarcasm, and deep sincerity. Despite everything he suffers through, he remains positive and concerned with the well-being of his friends and family. He has a hard time accepting kindness (which is why I'M creating this fundraiser without his knowledge). He just wants to do what's right for those in his life. He is the most loyal companion and friend I have ever met.

And that is why I created this fundraiser. This most recent loss of his father is just too much. Regardless of his great attitude, I can tell that his heart is breaking. All the while, his physical pain continues. My fiancé has been dealt a cruel hand, and everybody who knows him knows that he deserves better. He deserves some kindness. I want to use this fundraiser to remind him of all the people in his life who care about him. He may not have his parents anymore, but he is still surrounded by love. I want to give hope for the future, and I'm hoping we can do just that together.

I'm asking for $4,000 as a goal to cover the cost of cremating his father. However, I would be beyond grateful if we exceeded that goal. ALL funds received will be immediately gifted to Vinnie. No matter the amount you donate, all I ask is that you include a heartfelt message with it. That way, when he sees all donations and reads all your kind messages, he will be profoundly uplifted as he hears from each one of us. Please help me bring more light into a good man's life when it is darkest. Thank you.

^ Vinnie doing what he loves best: photography!

^ Vinnie's mom, Linda. She was an amazing lady, always so giving to those she loved. I was lucky to know her.

^ Selfies with Gizmo, his twelve-year old partner in crime! She was so jealous of me when I first came into the picture, but she eventually learned to tolerate me! ;)

^ Vinnie's father, Tom. Vinnie had nothing but good things to say about him, and I could tell how much they loved each other. He was always so kind and accepting towards me as well.