Join Us in Supporting Michael Johnson and Family

When Your World Turns Upside Down Overnight

July 5th, 2023 marks the day that changed our lives forever. A CT scan revealed a large mass in my husband, Michael's, brain. He was transported to Portland's St. Vincent Providence from the ER in Seaside the following day where they diagnosed him with Glioblastoma (GBM) - stage 4 brain cancer. Shocked and baffled, we were all asking ourselves about symptoms and what led me to take him to the ER.

Michael was working and leading a normal life up until June 30th - the Friday before the 4th of July. Sunday, July 2nd he mentioned he was having some hang-ups "finding the right words" and confused what must be causing this. His symptoms over the next few days didn't change much but we did notice a bit of imbalance. He said he hadn't experienced an "episode" (stroke), so my concern was perhaps a TIA or worst-case scenario, aphasia - which his mom tragically suffered from.

Spending the day together on the 4th - it was apparent something was certainly "off." He talked me into going to the hospital the next day and I'm so glad I agreed. We spent a lovely evening together with a cruise down to Seaside in the TR3, then a quiet evening together watching the sunset, then the fireworks. Little did we know that the next day we would be embarking on the fight for his life.

xoxo RJ

*Updates signed RJ are written by Rebecca Johnson, Michael's wife, and shared with permission by the administrator, Daniel Johnson (cousin).