Ponchatoula – One of Tangipahoa Parish's own personal is that the community needs to come together to raise funds for a double lung transplant for long-time members of law enforcement. Deputy Mike Johnson, the Parish of Tangipa Hoa, is on the list of double lung transplants and will benefit from helping families get the money they need on Saturday, June 21st.
My father and grandfather, Johnson has served the community through law enforcement for the past 40 years. Originally from Texas, Johnson was a police officer in Harris County, one of Texas' largest counties. Before he and his wife moved to Louisiana, his daughter Brittany Stewart told UWK.
Apart from the Tangipa Hoa Parish Sheriff's Office, Johnson also serves as NOPD and St. Charles' Parish. He has returned to TPSO for about four years in different positions, she said.
In January 2020, Johnson was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and emphysema, which progressed rapidly after years of smoking. Johnson and his wife received the news that it only took a few years for him to live and they had to start preparing.
Unfortunately, shortly after the news, Johnson's wife unexpectedly passed away and changed everything for him.
“He's since gone from bad to worse over the past four years,” Stewart said. “It got to where they were like, 'You're out of hours.' ”
About a year ago, doctors told him that he had about two years to get him a lung transplant. Due to the cost, Johnson felt he could not afford to receive a transplant and continued to postpone it. However, shortly after his other daughter, Jill, got married, Johnson made up his mind.
“He woke up one morning, he was like, 'I think I'd do that,'” Stewart recalls.
Last March, Johnson completed his transplant test and passed. He had to put in a stint afterwards.
As soon as Johnson can finish a blood thinner that could be August or September, he can be put on the list of transplants as he is already approved.
Because he has a common blood type and lung size, doctors said he should get two new lungs pretty quickly, Stewart explained.
“The doctor said by the end of the year, I think he has new lungs,” she said.
The procedure can take 6-8 hours. He then needs to stay in the ICU for a few days.
“He's now in the mood to extend his life because for a while he didn't want it after Mama passed away. Now it's 'Let's do it!” So we're excited about that part, Stewart said.
Gathering funds and profits for Johnson
Families need to raise at least $25,000 for medical expenses, but even if the drug is not covered by insurance, they still need more funds (as the drug costs over $1,000). Johnson also does not finish work for at least three months after the implant and requires a 24-hour caregiver.
“The insurance approved him to have a transplant, but he still has to cover a lot of his lot from his pocket,” Stewart said.
Profit will run on Saturday, June 21st from 11am to 5pm
Includes car and motorcycle shows, jambalaya plates for sale, bake sales, silent auctions and more. The Delta Seven Motorcycle Club (Johnson is participating) and the Ponchatoura Lions Club are helping to organize the event.
Specially customized AR-15 raffle tickets are also available. Tickets cost $30 per ticket and $100 for four tickets. You can purchase by contacting Johnson at (985) 222-8880.
Stewart said his father's family in Texas is there to support the benefits and even show support for Johnson.
Additionally, families have set up GoFundMe for those who want to donate like that. All the money collected will be sent to a medical account for Johnson to be used when it's time for his procedures to begin, his daughter explained.
For more information about Johnson or Saturday's profits, please visit Mike's fundraiser webpage.
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