Joe Johnson on road to recovery

Last December, security guard Joe Johnson suffered multiple strokes, and the Samo community rallied to aid him in any way possible. Four months later, Johnson has made large strides in his recovery, and is currently relocating to a rehabilitation facility in San Pedro.Johnson has been reaching milestones every day of his recovery over the past few months. Since the time of his strokes it was critical that he lose weight in order to start the process of regaining motor functions and getting back on his feet. Over the past three months Johnson has lost nearly 100 pounds, and he is growing stronger and healthier by the day. Additionally, he is now fully aware of his surroundings and has begun to interact with the Samo community again, publicly sharing a collection of selfies and photos with nurses and family members that chronical his journey. Johnson also now has full use of his left side and improving, but still limited, use of his right side. He took his first ten steps with assistance only a few weeks ago and he is beginning to stand on his own. Despite his achievements, Johnson’s rehabilitation journey is nowhere near over. The decision has been made to relocate him to a well-regarded stroke facility in San Pedro for the next month, with the hopes of moving him into a two bedroom apartment with his sister once he is able to function on his own with minimal assistance. His sister, Cindy, has taken time off work to be a full time nurse for Johnson, and the family is feeling the impact of the high costs of rent and food, along with his medical bills. Initially, to abate the burden of Johnson’s expenses, families within the SMMUSD community united to raise funds. PTA members Danica Jamieson and Yolanda Lewis created a fundraising page with a goal of 10,000 dollars. After only five days, the website had not only reached, but exceeded its goal, collecting well over 13,000 dollars. The donations were used for both Johnson’s medical needs and to cover the cost of his mother’s travel to and from the hospital in Los Angeles and her job in Oklahoma. However, this was not enough. A second page has been formed with a new goal of 45,000 dollars. These funds will be used to pay for Johnson’s rehabilitation center costs, as well as aid the family as they take time off work to care for Johnson. Lewis believes that any donation will make a difference in helping the family as they aid Johnson during his time in rehab.“Their overall income will fall short of what’s needed to cover rent and food costs, and while his mom is helping out they'll need more assistance to make ends meet. Please support Johnson’s recovery by donating whatever you can,” Lewis said.Samo Principal Dr. Antonio Shelton was deeply impacted by the incident and has gone to visit Johnson in the hospital on multiple occasions. He knows that during this incredibly difficult time students are seeking ways to help Johnson and his family, and touched upon a few ways individuals could get involved without donating money to the cause.“Students may send cards or make video messages to send to Johnson. I know that he would enjoy reading the notes and messages that are sent his way,” Shelton said.Shelton, along with the entire Samo community, sends his love and wishes as he hopes for a fast recovery for Johnson. He has a long, difficult road ahead, but in the hands of experienced medical professionals and the care of his family and friends, his future is looking bright. “It will be more than a couple of months before Johnson returns to Samo. The physical therapy and rehabilitation will take months, but we are hoping for the best as this next phase of the journey begins,” Shelton said.