In memory of Michael Johnson

I met Marquesa in July 2013 when we started working together. From there we developed an immediate strong friendship. We even became neighbors! Naturally, Marquesa's spouse, Michael, was a part of that friendship.- (whether he liked it or not!)  These two have meant so much to me. This couple has been a perfect example of what "friendship" is to me and so many others.  This is a small piece of Michael's story, as he will be rememebered for far more than I could ever write about, but I thank God for bringing these two people in my life. I believe everyone you meet serves a purpose. Michael was loved by so many that I know his purpose will continue to spread joy  to every life he has ever touched. 

Towards the end of summer, Michael quickly started losing drastic weight. In September, he started seeing doctors and getting test after test, with no real answers or diagnosis. Meanwhile, other symptoms started to appear. On November 25th, the night before Thanksgiving, Michael was taken to the emergency room and admitted after health complications escalated. From there, he remained in the hospital and after ten long days of waiting and testing, he was diagnosed with a rare disease called proteinaceous lymphadenopathy. So rare, that this specific disease was never treated at the hospital he was in. A call to be transferred to Mayo clinic was in process, while the medical team did what they could to manage his progressing symptoms. After 11 days of ups and downs, complications continued to arise and Micheal was suddenly placed in ICU on December 6th and had emergency surgery on the morning of December 7th. Surgery was successful but unforeseen complications suddenly occurred just a few hours after and sadly, Michael did not survive.

Michael was a 35 year old native of Waterloo. He earned his bachelors degree from Wartburg college in 2002 and was a supervisor at nation wide insurance.  Although he enjoyed his sports (Go Cubs, Bears and Hawkeyes!) or being the life of the party with his ginormous smile and infectious personality, nothing was more important to him than his family.  Even when he started getting sick he refused to miss work. And up until his hospitalization, he didn't.  He always put his family first and was proud to provide for them.  Michael was the loving  and dedicated father of two boys (Jayden (11) and Talbray (10) and a devoted spouse to Marquesa for the past 16 years. Michael was also a very loving son, caring brother, hard working  co-worker, loyal friend, and respected member of our surrounding communities. 

During this tragic and sudden loss, I'd like to utilize this fund to show our love and support for this very deserving family, in the same ways I know Michael or Marquesa would. It is my hope to come to gether to help decrease any amount of financial stressors for Marquesa. Because Marquesa has faithfully been by Michael's side, every step of the way, she has not been able to work the past few weeks. On top of  every day living exspenses and bills, losing Michael as the bread winner, time off work, medical bills, funeral costs, and the holidays quickly approaching, you can imagine how bills may pile up.   Any thing you can donate to reduce financial stress while this family grieves, will make a positive difference.  Both Marquesa and Michael have dedicated their careers in giving back to others. It is time we give back to them. - Whether that be through a prayer, reposting this fund link, a nice comment, or a $5 donation, no act of kindness is ever wasted or forgotten. Please take a moment of your time to make a life changing difference. 

Thank you for your support in advance, as there is no better gift than the gift of kindness and love.

Be blessed. Stay kind. And let the power of love always win.

~Lindsey Capdevila