Support Johnny Boy's Fight Against Cancer & Journey for Hope

Many of you have been along for the health journey that our dear Johnny Boy has undergone over the last 30 years and we so appreciate the support thus far. Johnny’s journey has been long, difficult and at times, seemed impossible. However, it has also been beautiful, strong and always a miracle to watch!

The hurdles that Johnny has had to jump through for the basics in life are simple things that many of us take for granted. Everyday, we all walk, speak and eat without having to think about it - but Johnny has had to fight for the ability to learn these simplicities as well as everything else people do subconsciously on a daily basis. And having to hear “no” or “it’s not possible” is a reoccurring theme BUT has never been something Johnny has settled for.

To give a brief history, Johnny has been through multiple types of cancers in his life, some due to a gene mutation in his body that produces unique strands of cancers starting with brain cancer at 10-months old. He is a medical mystery and a miracle all wrapped up in one sweet, gentle, loving soul. His smile is contagious, his laugh can brighten the darkest of days and his spirit for life is unmatched. Johnny wakes up every morning saying “I am so happy” and genuinely means it. Given all that he has and continues to endure, it’s a blessing that he has such a positive perspective each and everyday.

However, even through all the trials and tribulations that the cancers have brought on, Johnny has had many achievements too! All of his accomplishments would not have been possible without the determination of his mother, Donna, who has been at his side, advocating for him every step of the way! She has devoted her life to saving her son and any parent knows that there are no limits or bounds to what you would do for your kids health and happiness. Donna is a shining example of never giving up and forging forward in the purest form of love, even through her own hardships such as when she lost her husband (Papa John) to cancer a year ago, who was Johnny’s biggest fan, in 2023.

Now it is our turn to help Johnny and Donna with the support they need while going through yet another extreme health hurdle in life. Due to the new emerging cancers that have taken over parts of Johnny’s body again, Donna has taken an unpaid leave of absence from work so that she can be by her sons side to care for him and not miss a single precious moment with her Johnny Boy.

Whether you know Johnny and Donna or not, your support for them would mean the world. As humans, we have an innate instinct to be kind and help…so that is what we are asking for here. The KIND support that will HELP this family with their financial/medical strains and take one burden off their plate so they can focus on what is important…Johnny’s life.

Your support, no matter how large or small, will be a VERY big help. This call for compassion and generosity as humans is humbling for our family and we appreciate all those who take an interest in Johnny and Donna. They are more than deserving of grace and healing! Thank you so much in advance and for the continued prayers during this time of devastating uncertainty.

If you’d like to learn more about Johnny and Donna’s story, read current daily updates, and see life through Johnny’s eyes…please visit Caring Bridge (https://www.caringbridge.org).

Much love, thanks and blessings to you and your families!