My name is Shantell Shanika Johnson, the proud mother of 8 kids, 6 boys and 2 girls. Back in 2019, I was diagnosed with an enlarged thyroid goiter, but due to COVID-19 and lack of funds for the surgery, it was put on hold.

Back in January 2025, things started taking a toll for the worse for me, where I had to be rushed to Accident and Emergency at the Princess Margaret Hospital on multiple visits with a heartbeat of 143 to 160 at times, knowing that the normal heart rate in adults is 60 to 100 bpm. So every visit was the same for me; there is nothing they can do. I would have to see an ENT specialist.

When I started feeling sick again and had to be rushed back to the hospital, only this time was very scary for me because I had a rapid heartbeat for almost four hours. I watched my body getting weak, and there was nothing I could do but hold on to the word of God and speak life. When doctors came and said there is no good news for me and asked for my emergency contact because it wasn't looking good for me, I held on to the only faith that I had and told myself that I should live and not die. These are words I speak every day over my life.

I have started seeing an ENT specialist, Dr. Charles D. Johnson of Columbus Medical Center, who, with other doctors, requested I do an ultrasound and biopsy, which I did. I was told by the doctor that they would have to perform this surgery urgently because in the biopsy results, there are atypical cells, and there is a mass in the left thyroid. Because of this, I'm experiencing a rapid heartbeat, breathing issues, pain in the neck and throat, and feeling weak at times. Doctors believe that the goiter is toxic, causing me multiple symptoms, and some symptoms can be life-threatening. So there is an urgency to have surgery done. Until such time, doctors have written a letter to my place of work for me to be placed on light duty until the surgery is done. My surgery is push back until all fund's are in.

I am asking anyone who can donate to donate, no matter how small it is, or simply just say a prayer for me in my trying times. Funds will be used to pay Dr. Charles Johnson and other doctors who are assisting, and other procedures that are being done before the surgery, anesthesia service, facility, private surgical services, and ward. Many people that may know me know I am a woman of few words and very private, but today I will allow you to know what's going on and what I am faced with. I have to fight to be here for my kids. It's not all about me, but my kids who need me. So please, I can't do this alone; I need help. Thank you all, God bless.