John's Medical & Disability Fund
Donation protected
I’m Joelle, and I’m writing on behalf of John Josephson (my Johnny), whom I’ve known since we were teenagers in Tampa, Florida. I’m his best friend, and oldest as he regularly jests. We met in 1984 as high school and age-group swimmers who became as close as family. We’ve stuck together now for over 30 years.
I’m trying to help Johnny raise funds to cover medical and living expenses, now that his health has deteriorated to the point where his doctors has told him work is no longer an option. Ongoing medical conditions from an early age classed him as uninsurable for short and long-term disability and life insurance. Fortunately, he does have health insurance to cover most medical expenses with copays due, but it does not cover the cost of daily living.
Johnny's main goal is to cover rent through the end of the current lease and utilities, pay out of pocket medical costs, medical equipment, physical and occupational therapy, visiting nurses and home labs. Not being able to drive, Johnny will be getting familiar with Uber and Lyft. Please consider a gift today.
My Johnny is a vital soul and philanthropic entrepreneur. He is mending at home now, home-bound and wheelchair-bound to limit falls until the doctors figure out why he is having chronic syncope.
Johnny's current medical conditions have brought his doctors to insist on filing disability. Now his greatest fear is a reality. This is a very depressing outcome as Johnny built KISS Business Solutions , a nonprofit accounting firm, so he could continue working in the field he loves with the flexibility to work with the physical limitations provided by his ongoing medical conditions.
Johnny is known for his board service, volunteering, being a devout Florida State Seminoles fan (I you won’t hold that against him). He loves the outdoors and spends a lot of that time with his dachshund Valcor. She is the love of his life but she currently lives with friends until Johnny is back on his feet.
The issues with his health have literally been coming down like rain, to which he would say "Well I am still here!" In 46 years (July 1 birthday!), Johnny has endured 20 open surgeries, with 8 in the past five years. Due to the many recent hospital stays, associated imaging and lab workup and missed work, Johnny's ability to continue fighting and living is severely compromised and he needs your help today. Please make a gift today. I know he would be eternally grateful.
Please feel free to read more details below. Johnny’s struggles are real and he faces them with a strong heart and a smile. Your contributions will be put to work immediately. If you do not feel comfortable making a gift online, please call or message Johnny's cell at [phone redacted] to get his address.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Your gifts, shares and prayers are critical. I do not want Johnny facing this struggle alone!
Warmest regards,
Joelle Warren
-------------------------------------------------
The following is a more detailed look at Johnny’s health and struggles.
A severe asthmatic since infancy, he has fought escalating medical issues for all his life, smiling through each crisis situation and maintaining an optimistic attitude during bouts with shoulder separations, hip replacements, ankle reconstruction, multiple hernias, acute and chronic kidney failure, diabetes as well as pituitary and thyroid tumors currently being worked up. I am very close to Johnny and concerned with circumstances surrounding his quickly degrading and life-changing health issues.
To top it off, Johnny experienced asthma with severity not seen since childhood last fall by moving into an apartment he had to leave because of environmental hazards. Before leaving, he had begun experiencing severe asthma and near destruction of his vocal cords. Normally well controlled, Johnny's asthma sent him to the hospital for multiple stays until his doctors finally ordered him to not return to the apartment. I personally witnessed Johnny’s struggles breathing and speaking when he visited our family last Thanksgiving.
Johnny's medical issues have accelerated over the past two years, during which he has struggled to operate his business, accounting and consulting for nonprofit organizations. His personal services are necessary in order for his company to thrive. As he has fought through multiple surgeries and hospitalizations over the last several years, I've seen him working from his hospital bed and while homebound, laptop propped in front of him. He has taken calls from clients when most would have thrown in the towel and given in to the pain. Johnny has fought harder than anybody else I know to hold on to his business and work through illness that would have taken most men down years ago.
Now, though, he cannot go on. His doctors have insisted he devote all his energies toward conquering medical challenges which have become so severe that he has spent approximately 80% of his time in 2016 either in-hospital, home-bound or on strict bed rest at home.
A fall in the ice and snow in December led to a January diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome, a serious condition still being evaluated. While not fully paralyzed, Johnny is experiencing saddle paresthesia, incontinence (urinary and bowel), as well as issues with gait and walking. Several bouts of acute kidney failure followed.
During the MRI evaluation of the Cauda Equina Syndrome, Johnny's medical team found a tumor on his pituitary gland. Johnny is lucky that his adenoma has not increased the production of hormones. However, it was found that he has cortisol insufficiency. Addison's disease has been ruled out. It appears the tumor is causing the pituitary gland to malfunction with respect to cortisol production. These are the type of pituitary tumors which may involve some form of cancer. Initial blood work is currently resulting in Johnny's favor, but the tumor is apparently causing frequent near and full syncope (fainting without warning) as well as pressure on his optic nerve.
Since January, Johnny began having near syncope (fainting) episodes causing falls leading to head and neck injuries and reinjuring recent orthopedic surgical fixes to his joints. Due to blood clotting issues (Coumadin for multiple blood clots) Johnny must visit the emergency room any time he falls to ensure that bleeds are managed or ruled out.
Johnny is an asthmatic who's heart pumps with less force into the lungs, lives with Stage 3-A Chronic Kidney Failure and Diabetes. This combination makes it difficult to circulate blood that settles in limbs when lying down or seated making Johnny more prone to orthostatic hypotension, which is currently considered the primary cause of his syncope.
In addition to the unsettling nature of syncope and its outcomes, Johnny battles pressure headaches similar to migraines. These episodes have been occurring frequently since the beginning of the year and are believed to be a symptom of the pituitary tumor. The only relief involves trips to the emergency room for an IV headache cocktail.
Near Syncope, pressure headaches and secondary injuries including concussions, fractures, soft tissue damage to the back and neck and internal bleeding left Johnny either hospitalized or in mandatory bed rest for the majority of his time since the beginning of the year.
On May 17th, Johnny's near syncope became full syncope where he lost consciousness and fell on site at the Carson J Spencer Foundation offices. Emergency transport and another emergency room stay resulted in a concussion and cervical and thoracic muscle strain. Luckily, Johnny avoided internal bleeding, but blood work indicated acute kidney failure. After IV fluids, Johnny went home and planned a day off to rest.
The next day, May 18th, while walking toward the kitchen counter, Johnny lost consciousness again. While falling, Johnny hit a carving board with a paring knife on it. When he woke up, the board was on his head and the knife entered 3.5" into his lower right abdomen, piercing through skin, fascia and muscle. After plasma and blood transfusions, emergency surgery, repaired the injured muscle and the outer wound was packed. By the grace of God, the knife missed injuring any internal organs.
Since being released on May 19th, Johnny returned to the hospital for three more falls and is now experiencing ongoing near syncope. He has a feeling of fainting almost all the time.
Johnny is back home from a two week stay at a rehabilitation hospital and preparing his case for disability. He is no stranger to the recommendation of disability. Finally, the worst news, his greatest fear of having to apply for disability is a reality. This is a very depressing outcome as Johnny built KISS Business Solutions, nonprofit accounting firm to continue working in the field he loves.
Johnny is a 25 year veteran dedicated to the field of nonprofit accounting and strategic management. In 2015, KISS Business Solutions celebrated its 5th anniversary with many accolades including an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Johnny is beginning the application process for disability. His doctors feel confident disability will be granted upon initial application. In the meantime, living expenses including medical costs must be paid. Johnny lives a simple life, but is now facing the challenge of raising rent, maintaining nutrition and keeping up with basic utilities.
Please consider Johnny's story, his philanthropic history, his life-long medical challenges and current need. Making a gift is easy. Making an impact in the life of a man who continues to fight and lives with a smile on his face and by the motto "I am still here," is in your hands. Please consider a gift today. You may also increase your impact by sharing this story with your friends. If you feel uncomfortable making a gift online, please call or text Johnny at [phone redacted] to get his address.
Regular updates will be issued regularly because Johnny wants his supporters to know his progress.
Johnny is still here and with your help we will here those words for a long time!
Thanks you for your time!
Joelle
I’m trying to help Johnny raise funds to cover medical and living expenses, now that his health has deteriorated to the point where his doctors has told him work is no longer an option. Ongoing medical conditions from an early age classed him as uninsurable for short and long-term disability and life insurance. Fortunately, he does have health insurance to cover most medical expenses with copays due, but it does not cover the cost of daily living.
Johnny's main goal is to cover rent through the end of the current lease and utilities, pay out of pocket medical costs, medical equipment, physical and occupational therapy, visiting nurses and home labs. Not being able to drive, Johnny will be getting familiar with Uber and Lyft. Please consider a gift today.
My Johnny is a vital soul and philanthropic entrepreneur. He is mending at home now, home-bound and wheelchair-bound to limit falls until the doctors figure out why he is having chronic syncope.
Johnny's current medical conditions have brought his doctors to insist on filing disability. Now his greatest fear is a reality. This is a very depressing outcome as Johnny built KISS Business Solutions , a nonprofit accounting firm, so he could continue working in the field he loves with the flexibility to work with the physical limitations provided by his ongoing medical conditions.
Johnny is known for his board service, volunteering, being a devout Florida State Seminoles fan (I you won’t hold that against him). He loves the outdoors and spends a lot of that time with his dachshund Valcor. She is the love of his life but she currently lives with friends until Johnny is back on his feet.
The issues with his health have literally been coming down like rain, to which he would say "Well I am still here!" In 46 years (July 1 birthday!), Johnny has endured 20 open surgeries, with 8 in the past five years. Due to the many recent hospital stays, associated imaging and lab workup and missed work, Johnny's ability to continue fighting and living is severely compromised and he needs your help today. Please make a gift today. I know he would be eternally grateful.
Please feel free to read more details below. Johnny’s struggles are real and he faces them with a strong heart and a smile. Your contributions will be put to work immediately. If you do not feel comfortable making a gift online, please call or message Johnny's cell at [phone redacted] to get his address.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Your gifts, shares and prayers are critical. I do not want Johnny facing this struggle alone!
Warmest regards,
Joelle Warren
-------------------------------------------------
The following is a more detailed look at Johnny’s health and struggles.
A severe asthmatic since infancy, he has fought escalating medical issues for all his life, smiling through each crisis situation and maintaining an optimistic attitude during bouts with shoulder separations, hip replacements, ankle reconstruction, multiple hernias, acute and chronic kidney failure, diabetes as well as pituitary and thyroid tumors currently being worked up. I am very close to Johnny and concerned with circumstances surrounding his quickly degrading and life-changing health issues.
To top it off, Johnny experienced asthma with severity not seen since childhood last fall by moving into an apartment he had to leave because of environmental hazards. Before leaving, he had begun experiencing severe asthma and near destruction of his vocal cords. Normally well controlled, Johnny's asthma sent him to the hospital for multiple stays until his doctors finally ordered him to not return to the apartment. I personally witnessed Johnny’s struggles breathing and speaking when he visited our family last Thanksgiving.
Johnny's medical issues have accelerated over the past two years, during which he has struggled to operate his business, accounting and consulting for nonprofit organizations. His personal services are necessary in order for his company to thrive. As he has fought through multiple surgeries and hospitalizations over the last several years, I've seen him working from his hospital bed and while homebound, laptop propped in front of him. He has taken calls from clients when most would have thrown in the towel and given in to the pain. Johnny has fought harder than anybody else I know to hold on to his business and work through illness that would have taken most men down years ago.
Now, though, he cannot go on. His doctors have insisted he devote all his energies toward conquering medical challenges which have become so severe that he has spent approximately 80% of his time in 2016 either in-hospital, home-bound or on strict bed rest at home.
A fall in the ice and snow in December led to a January diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome, a serious condition still being evaluated. While not fully paralyzed, Johnny is experiencing saddle paresthesia, incontinence (urinary and bowel), as well as issues with gait and walking. Several bouts of acute kidney failure followed.
During the MRI evaluation of the Cauda Equina Syndrome, Johnny's medical team found a tumor on his pituitary gland. Johnny is lucky that his adenoma has not increased the production of hormones. However, it was found that he has cortisol insufficiency. Addison's disease has been ruled out. It appears the tumor is causing the pituitary gland to malfunction with respect to cortisol production. These are the type of pituitary tumors which may involve some form of cancer. Initial blood work is currently resulting in Johnny's favor, but the tumor is apparently causing frequent near and full syncope (fainting without warning) as well as pressure on his optic nerve.
Since January, Johnny began having near syncope (fainting) episodes causing falls leading to head and neck injuries and reinjuring recent orthopedic surgical fixes to his joints. Due to blood clotting issues (Coumadin for multiple blood clots) Johnny must visit the emergency room any time he falls to ensure that bleeds are managed or ruled out.
Johnny is an asthmatic who's heart pumps with less force into the lungs, lives with Stage 3-A Chronic Kidney Failure and Diabetes. This combination makes it difficult to circulate blood that settles in limbs when lying down or seated making Johnny more prone to orthostatic hypotension, which is currently considered the primary cause of his syncope.
In addition to the unsettling nature of syncope and its outcomes, Johnny battles pressure headaches similar to migraines. These episodes have been occurring frequently since the beginning of the year and are believed to be a symptom of the pituitary tumor. The only relief involves trips to the emergency room for an IV headache cocktail.
Near Syncope, pressure headaches and secondary injuries including concussions, fractures, soft tissue damage to the back and neck and internal bleeding left Johnny either hospitalized or in mandatory bed rest for the majority of his time since the beginning of the year.
On May 17th, Johnny's near syncope became full syncope where he lost consciousness and fell on site at the Carson J Spencer Foundation offices. Emergency transport and another emergency room stay resulted in a concussion and cervical and thoracic muscle strain. Luckily, Johnny avoided internal bleeding, but blood work indicated acute kidney failure. After IV fluids, Johnny went home and planned a day off to rest.
The next day, May 18th, while walking toward the kitchen counter, Johnny lost consciousness again. While falling, Johnny hit a carving board with a paring knife on it. When he woke up, the board was on his head and the knife entered 3.5" into his lower right abdomen, piercing through skin, fascia and muscle. After plasma and blood transfusions, emergency surgery, repaired the injured muscle and the outer wound was packed. By the grace of God, the knife missed injuring any internal organs.
Since being released on May 19th, Johnny returned to the hospital for three more falls and is now experiencing ongoing near syncope. He has a feeling of fainting almost all the time.
Johnny is back home from a two week stay at a rehabilitation hospital and preparing his case for disability. He is no stranger to the recommendation of disability. Finally, the worst news, his greatest fear of having to apply for disability is a reality. This is a very depressing outcome as Johnny built KISS Business Solutions, nonprofit accounting firm to continue working in the field he loves.
Johnny is a 25 year veteran dedicated to the field of nonprofit accounting and strategic management. In 2015, KISS Business Solutions celebrated its 5th anniversary with many accolades including an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Johnny is beginning the application process for disability. His doctors feel confident disability will be granted upon initial application. In the meantime, living expenses including medical costs must be paid. Johnny lives a simple life, but is now facing the challenge of raising rent, maintaining nutrition and keeping up with basic utilities.
Please consider Johnny's story, his philanthropic history, his life-long medical challenges and current need. Making a gift is easy. Making an impact in the life of a man who continues to fight and lives with a smile on his face and by the motto "I am still here," is in your hands. Please consider a gift today. You may also increase your impact by sharing this story with your friends. If you feel uncomfortable making a gift online, please call or text Johnny at [phone redacted] to get his address.
Regular updates will be issued regularly because Johnny wants his supporters to know his progress.
Johnny is still here and with your help we will here those words for a long time!
Thanks you for your time!
Joelle
Organizer
John Josephson
Organizer
Denver, CO