Texas Man, 81, Continues Work to Cover Wife's Cancer Treatment; Fundraiser Later Canceled
A viral GoFundMe campaign that raised over $700,000 for an elderly delivery driver and his wife battling cancer has been removed due to a technicality.
An 81-year-old man in Texas has been continuing his work as a luggage delivery driver to help cover his wife's medical expenses as she undergoes cancer treatment. Donald Johnson's story gained significant attention after a resident captured him struggling to carry a heavy bag up a steep set of stairs.
Johnson, who has been working as an independent contractor for three years, explained to resident Erin Howell that he continued making deliveries because "it's the only job that will hire me." He and his wife, Josephine Johnson, have been married for 57 years, and he continued working throughout her medical treatment.
Howell shared Johnson's story online and initiated a fundraiser to help with medical costs and allow him to stop working and care for his wife. As the story spread, the campaign garnered thousands of donations and messages of support, raising more than $700,000.
However, the GoFundMe campaign was later removed. According to the couple's daughter, Amy Johnson, in a TikTok video, the donations are being refunded due to "a technicality." GoFundMe informed FOX 4 that its trust and safety team determined the organizer account and fundraiser violated the platform's terms of service, citing the need for "authenticity and transparency for donors," without specifying the exact reason.
Josephine Johnson expressed that the outpouring of support and prayers has given her encouragement in her battle with cancer. She stated that the messages have brought a "joyful feeling."