Cathy Johnston's Health Journey

In September 2022, Cathy Johnston was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer in her bone marrow. She and her husband, Tom, are the Lead Pastors of Trinity Life Community in Bedford, NH. For the past two years, Cathy has engaged in the treatment regimen as prescribed by her oncologist, which includes daily oral chemotherapy medications and biweekly infusions of chemo meds as well. She has also received an autogenous stem cell transplant, which utilized her own stem cells. The combination of these treatments has currently placed Cathy's cancer in remission. However, there is no cure for multiple myeloma, so the chemo treatments must continue, and even these may not prove effective in the long-term, and at any point, the cancer may actively reemerge. Cathy continues to deal with the side effects of this treatment and severe pain. Tom & Cathy fully believe in divine healing through Jesus Christ and are convinced concerning the power of prayer. The Johnstons ask for your continued prayer in this regard.

Many of you have asked how to assist them during this challenging season and have done so in the past through a previous GoFundMe campaign. Their friends have created this new GoFundMe campaign to help with a new financial need: health insurance. The Johnstons' health coverage is currently through a COBRA plan from Cathy's former employer. She is currently on Social Security disability and will be eligible for Medicare in April of 2025. Until then, she will need to remain on her current plan to qualify for Medicare. (Tom will also need to purchase a new private plan for the new year.) However, the premiums for the current insurance have dramatically increased to $3,166 / month.

Would you prayerfully consider helping the Johnstons maintain their health insurance during this time?

The following are specific prayer requests for Cathy and Tom:

• For the Lord Jesus to heal Cathy of her multiple myeloma cancer

• For the chemotherapy treatment to be effective against the disease and that Cathy will be able to tolerate the various medications involved. Pray also for the Lord to protect her from secondary conditions arising from treatment, including infections, blood clots, stroke, and heart issues

• For the doctors and nurses at Dartmouth – Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH involved with Cathy's treatment and care

• For protection as they travel to Lebanon for care

• That the Lord will give the Johnstons the strength and wisdom to navigate this ongoing journey

• For Tom's health and strength as he focuses on caring for Cathy during this season

• For financial provision to cover travel expenses for treatment, lost wages, and out-of-pocket medical expenses – and these new increased health insurance premiums.

A webpage has been setup to provide weekly updates regarding Cathy's health and to share specific prayer needs for both she and Tom. The link to that is here.

Thank you for blessing the Johnstons during this time. Your support and continued prayer mean a lot to them, and to our church community, as we come alongside them during this season.