Sickly grandmother seeks help with medical expenses

Joan Johnson has always been an independent woman working tirelessly to provide for her family and being active around her home.

However, all of that changed three years ago when she fell from her bed and shattered her kneecap. She hasn't been able to fully walk on her own since.

Adding to her trauma, the 57-year-old was diagnosed with stage five renal kidney disease in the latter part of 2020. She is now forced to undergo dialysis treatment twice per week, each session valued at J$11,500. Johnson also suffers from other conditions which require medication.

"It is really, really bad to find money at this time and the dialysis I am doing is for a lifetime, so I'm going to always have to be seeking money," she told THE STAR. "I don't only pay for the dialysis, I pay for medications as well because I have hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases. I have to take at least 10 tablets per day, and that is a lot."

The Mona Heights, St Andrew, resident revealed that she used to work in a family business but her health problems won't allow her to.

"I can't pay my bills any more, which I'm not used to because I can't do anything but to stay home," she said. "I also used to rent a part of my place to student boarders and it used to help out a lot, but I don't have them any more due to the COVID-19."

I'm her only child

Her main provider since she started ailing is her son, Andrew Henney, 33. He tries to keep the family afloat with his own business, but things have been terribly slow since COVID-19.

"I try to help her as best as I can because I'm her only child and she needs me," he said. "It is slow on some days for me and the medical bills have to be paid so she needs assistance."

Johnson said that other relatives do what they can "but it is not easy for anybody".

Johnson uses a walker to scramble around her home; she needs a wheelchair if she's leaving home. Her immobility has caused her to become depressed. Johnson's source of joy these days is her grandchildren who brighten up her day occasionally, and she hopes to spend as much time as possible with them.

"Her granddaughters make her happy because they comb her hair, bring her water and help her out around the house and give her a reason to smile," Henney said. "She loves being with them especially because I'm not home most times."

The disheartened son revealed that he is hoping to raise J$200,000 to cover his mother's medical expenses for the rest of the year.

Those who are willing to contribute may contact Joan Johnson at (876) 849-6645 OR GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/jujus-dialysis-expenses