A funeral for Johnny

Unfortunately my family and I aren’t able to afford the funeral to lay my late Uncle Andrew (Johnny) Baker to rest as we’re short. To get a further idea of why I have put this gofundme page together I hope this will enlighten you. 

Andrew "Johnny" Baker, born March 31st 1959, was nothing short of an inspiration throughout his entire life. His story is one of resilience, persistence, strength and, most importantly, love.

Undoubtedly, Johnny endured a rough upbringing, facing many struggles throughout his formative years, but all those struggles did was prepare him to become the hero he was destined to be. Johnny was a Townsville man, born down by the Ross River Bank; connected to his land by birth. immediately enriched with the strength that beautiful moment had gifted him. He was a family man, a selfless, single father to two beautiful children - Jodie and Dwayne who he had given his all to. Devastatingly so, Johnny lost his daughter Jodie on the same day of his father's funeral; so he was courageous and made it his life's mission to be the best father he could be for his son Dwayne. Johnny had strong family values in which he upheld complete selflessness, even after being diagnosed with diabetes and having his left leg amputated. In all respects Johnny tried to remain positive, keeping himself happy and active partaking in soccer, weight lifting and boxing.

Shortly after the Townsville floods in February 2019, Johnny fell ill and was misdiagnosed with cancer in the Lymph Nodes from the neck down. In actuality, after further medical investigation, it was discovered that Johnny had been suffering from Tuberculosis of the bone marrow - a rare disease. Whilst receiving treatment for Tuberculosis, Johnny was still receiving dialysis for preexisting illnesses - this took place three times a week, putting his body under an incredible amount of stress.

On the 7th of November 2019. Johnny suffered from a seizure and was later to be discovered by his son Dwayne at 4:00am, who then phoned Emergency Services. Paramedics stabilized Johnny before rushing him to the Townsville Hospital for further review. Dreadfully, doctors had to contact his next of kin, Johnny's sister Josie, informing her that Johnny had experienced an aneurysm of the brain stem. and that his time was running out. Johnny was immediately placed on life support, requiring a tube to be unpleasantly inserted into his throat to assist with his breathing.

In the afternoon hospital staff moved Johnny to a private room in which family gathered to say their last goodbyes. At approximately 1pm he was taken off life support and at 1:15pm Andrew took his last breath, peacefully surrounded by his beloved son, siblings and other family members.

Devastatingly, Johnny had a funeral fund that was closed in 2008 - rendering family members responsible yet unable to financially support his funeral during these times of hardship.

All his life, Andrew "Johnny" Baker brought joy, comfort, love and support to his friends, family and community. It is now our turn to return the favour and assist his loved ones in laying his beautiful soul to rest in peace. Any and all donations no matter how big or small would be a tremendous help, and all of Johnny's beloved will be eternally grateful for the support during these times of hardship.