If you are here, you probably know and love the Johnson family. We have set up and will use this page to keep family and friends updated, informed, and connected. As things evolve and more information is given, we will do our best to share updates, prayer requests, and practical ways you can help Anthony, Shaunte and the kids. Below is a brief overview on what happened to our dear brother and friend.
On Saturday, October 21, at Blade Milan's (daughter) birthday party, Anthony suffered a stroke and was rushed to Saint Joseph's hospital in Tacoma. Medical staff shared that it was a massive stroke in the brain stem and that Anthony is in critical condition, fighting for his life. The family is praying for miracles upon miracles and invites you to do the same. Regardless of how things unfold in the next few days, life as they have known it, is going to change.
In the short-term, the family would appreciate help with meals. With Shaunte going back and forth to the hospital, the kids are currently splitting time staying at Aunt Tab's and Shenna's house. If you are local and can drop off a meal at either one of their houses, text or call to coordinate (Tab 253-273-6446 and Shenna 253-226-8091). Gift cards to Safeway, Fred Meyer, Target and Walmart are great as well (you can email e-giftcards to Shaunte directly at shauntenj@gmail.com or message Sarah, and she can send you the mailing address if you want to go the physical mailing route) . Since the family only packed overnight bags, the kids will need clothes and toiletries to help them in the short-term until they are able to make a trip back to Yakima. Sizes are as follows: KC (medium boys or size 8 boys), AK (6T or small in boys), BM (5T or xs girls). I think it is important to also mention that Shaunte is pregnant. Shaunte is the type to not ask for much for herself, but she needs maternity clothes, toiletries, along with general support as she is navigating pregnancy during this extremely stressful time.
Longer-term needs will be help with general life expenses, medical bills, etc... (you can visit their gofundme page
https://gofund.me/2566afe6 to donate or send funds to Shaunte on Venmo @shauntenj ). It also seems as though relocation from Yakima to Tacoma area will need to happen sooner than later. This is Shaunte's main stressor. They will need to find a place to live so if anyone has any housing connections in the Tacoma area, please make it known. There is an option to stay with her aunt and uncle but some accommodations will need to be made to make the set-up child proof/friendly. They will also need help packing and getting their belongings, including their dog from Yakima to Tacoma. Again, as things become more clear re: needs, we will give more specifics and continue to update the site.
To explain the page further:
-The "Journal" will be where we feature updates and prayer requests. They will either come directly from Shaunte, or sent from Shaunte and posted by Sarah. Carmen Lewis, a friend of the family, working at St. Josephs in the Stroke unit has offered to assist with medical updates to keep everyone informed of Anthony's progress.
-"Ways to Help" will feature details on current needs and practical ways you can provide support to the family
*Please know that "Tributes" are direct donations to the Caring Bridge organization, and the Johnson family are not requesting any monetary support to go there, just using this site to keep everyone updated.
This page will be managed by a friend of the family, Sarah Ena-Lodwick, with their permission. For any specific questions, please feel free to reach out to Sarah anytime at 425-478-6471 or at Sarah.Ena14@gmail.com
On behalf of the family, thank you for the outpouring of love, words, prayers, and support in a time that they need it the most.
