From FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth · Carter Freemon · · 1m 10s
81-year-old delivers luggage to fund wife's cancer care
An elderly man's struggle to support his ailing spouse sparked a community fundraiser that raised over $100,000.
In brief
An elderly man's struggle to support his ailing spouse sparked a community fundraiser that raised over $100,000. When one person's hardship becomes visible, communities can mobilize quickly to provide meaningful support. Originally reported by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
81-year-old delivers lost luggage
Donald Johnson, an 81-year-old from The Colony, has been working as an independent luggage delivery contractor for three years to pay for his wife Josephine's cancer treatment.
“It's the only job that will hire me.”
Neighbor spots him struggling
Erin Howell saw Johnson slowly carrying her heavy lost luggage up a steep flight of stairs and was moved to help after learning his story.
“It completely broke my heart to see a man of his age doing such intense, grueling physical labor.”
GoFundMe raises over $100,000
Howell started a fundraiser that attracted donations from more than 1,700 people, providing funds for Josephine's medical bills and allowing Donald to retire.
The toll of three years
Johnson put over 200,000 miles on his car delivering luggage, causing vehicle problems while he worked to support his wife of 57 years.
Relief and gratitude
Donald said he can finally stop working, while Josephine expressed joy at the prayers and support from the community during her cancer battle.
“I think I'm going to be able to stop working, and that's amazing.”
The takeaway
When one person's hardship becomes visible, communities can mobilize quickly to provide meaningful support.
