Chip Johnson

Off and on for the past 10 years Chip Johnson has played drums for the Pizazz Band.  Chip played with the band until Dec 31, 2016, but had to quit due to health issues.  In 1992, at 29, Chip was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).  This is an inherited disease.  With PKD, the kidneys become filled with cysts, similar to large water blisters, and kidney function lessens gradually over time, resulting in the loss of kidney function.  There is no cure for this disease, and the only treatment options for this are dialysis or a kidney transplant.  Normally the lifespan of a kidney transplant is 15 years, after that another would need to be done.  When given options for the different types of dialysis, Chip has opted for the type that is done at home.  He will be hooked up to a dialysis machine 7 nights a week for 8-10 hours, and these treatments can’t be missed.   Wednesday Feb 8, 2017 the physicians have performed a procedure to prepare his body for dialysis, called a fistula. This is combining 2 vessels in the arm together that will eventually form an artery- once healed this will be the access entry for dialysis. Chip is in constant back and stomach pain due to the swelling of his kidneys, which are more than double the normal size.  In the near future, Chip will be placed on the Kidney Transplant waiting list.  The hospital that is taking care of Chip is no longer contracted with his insurance company, leaving him with extremely high hospital bills from past appointments and testing along with future appointments, tests, and surgery. We, in the Pizazz Band, would like to ask for your prayers that all will go as planned without any complications.  Secondly, if you would like to donate to help cover medical expenses, your donation is greatly appreciated.  Chip is currently preparing  for this life changing event that is inevitable.  Please share with your friends.

We, in the Pizazz Band, hope that you will share Chip's journey with all your friends and family.  Asking for prayers as Chip enters into many changes taking place over the coming months.  If you can help make the financial stuggle a little less, you will make a difference for Chip.  We thank you for helping our friend in a time of need. Love,
The Pizazz Band