Owensboro Community Rally Around 19-Month-Old Minnie Johnson Amid Cancer Diagnosis
19-month-old Minnie Johnson of Owensboro has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow. People across Daviess County have been praying and offering support during this difficult time.
Matthew and Kelsey Johnson are living every parent's worst nightmare. Their 19-month-old daughter had an issue with her eye, so they took her to urgent care, where something didn't look right. After an emergency trip to the ER, the family was sent directly to Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville where Minnie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Their lives were brought to a screeching halt as they faced this unexpected and heartbreaking challenge. Although the road ahead can be hard and uncertain, family, friends, and the community will be standing by their side every step of the way.
DEVASTING DIAGNOSIS
After long grueling hours of waiting, Kelsey and Matthew got the news no parent ever wants to hear. Their daughter has cancer. At that moment, this family of 7 had their entire world turned upside down.
"Minnie got a cold in her eye and her mom took her to urgent care where they accidentally popped a blister that was near her eye. It started to swell up so the Dr said to put a cold pack on it. The following day it was pouring blood so mom rushed her to the ER. They saw signs that other things were wrong and wanted to send her to Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville. Once there they immediately started testing for leukemia. She tested positive for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She has to stay in the hospital for the first month of chemo. She had to have a chemo port replacement 2 times just this week."
Matthew, Kelsey, Sissy, Matthew Jr., Raiden, and Levi will stay strong and cope with whatever lies ahead while asking us to open our hearts to pray for Minnie.
ACCOUNT SET UP TO HELP THE FAMILY
The Johnson family will need all the financial support they can receive. They're being pulled in so many different directions.
"Her mom and dad have 4 other children so Dad is home with the school-aged kids trying his best to work and take care of them. He travels back and forth because he needs to be in both places and it's really hard on them. He just started working and is struggling to pay his rent this month. I am caring for the youngest who is home. He's going to be 3 this month and probably won't know that mom and sister are going to miss his birthday cause of her chemo and hospital stay. Yet it's hard on the parents and other siblings who can't be together for an extended period. If they lose their home it will be even longer. I just am trying to get them some help during this difficult journey so that they can get back and forth to the hospital for Dad and food for Mom while she's there and money to get Minnie back and forth every week when she does gets to go home."
SEND CARDS OF SUPPORT
You can also send cards of support to Minnie's Aunt Rebecca while they're at Norton's receiving treatment. Rebecca will be sure the cards get to the family. Restaurant, grocery, or gas gift cards would be a blessing too. Rebecca is also helping to answer any questions on behalf of the family. Right now, they're in fight mode to beat the beast! As you lay your head on the pillow tonight say a prayer for this wonderful family and Minnie. They're going through so much. I'm sure it seems like a nightmare they can't wake up from.
You can send cards to 2934 Daviess Street in Owensboro KY 42303.
We pray that God heals her little body and that the treatments she receives will be successful. Norton Children's Hospital is the best, and she will get some amazing care.
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