The Johnson family’s world was turned upside down on June 17th, 2021, when their precious baby boy, Cross David Johnson, arrived. What should have been a joyous occasion was immediately overshadowed by a series of medical challenges that none of them could have anticipated. Born at 37 weeks and 5 days, Cross weighed 7 pounds and 7 ounces, but his journey would begin with a fight for his life. His birth was complicated by his breech position, leading to an emergency C-section, but his parents, Sarah and Matt, managed to get to the hospital just in time to meet the neonatologist team, who were prepared for his arrival due to his high-risk pregnancy.
Cross was rushed to the NICU as soon as he was born, and the first 48 hours were filled with fear and uncertainty. His lungs struggled to function, and he was immediately placed on a ventilator, jet ventilator, nitric oxide, and given surfactant to help with his breathing. Despite the overwhelming odds, Cross made a miraculous leap on his second day, showing his strength and determination. His lungs began to improve, and he was able to come off a few of the machines. Once stable, he was transferred to Cooks Children’s Hospital, where he would continue his battle.
The situation remained dire as Cross’s kidneys failed to produce urine, and doctors discovered that both kidneys were non-functioning. At just five days old, Cross started peritoneal dialysis, but after three days, it became clear that the dialysis port wasn’t working as expected. He had accumulated three pounds of fluid, and doctors decided to try a new procedure called Aquapheresis, a form of hemodialysis for infants, which had just been introduced at the hospital. Only five hospitals in the country had this machine, and Cross became one of the first to benefit from it. On day eight, Cross underwent surgery to install a new port for the treatment, and within six days, his swelling had gone down, and his lab results showed improvements.
Though Cross’s progress was encouraging, the road ahead remains uncertain. After 16 days, Cross had produced small amounts of urine, but his nephrologists estimate his kidneys are functioning at less than 10%. The Johnsons are holding on to hope, praying for consistency in his dialysis and hoping his kidneys will heal. The goal is to stabilize his condition so he can eventually come home, but it’s clear that Cross may need a kidney transplant in the future.
Through all of this, Sarah and Matt have continued to fight for their son’s life with unwavering determination. However, they have also faced the emotional challenge of being away from their two daughters, Norah and Shiloh, for extended periods. Time at the NICU has been difficult to balance with caring for their girls, and Sarah has had to take time off from work to be with Cross. This has placed an additional financial burden on the family, making it even harder to juggle medical bills, travel expenses, and the daily costs of life.
Sarah and Matt have been incredibly grateful for the love and support they have received from family, friends, and their community. The journey has been exhausting, but knowing that so many people are praying for Cross and supporting the family has been a source of strength. They continue to hold onto faith and trust in God’s plan for their son’s life. “May I never boast in anything but the CROSS of Jesus Christ,” they shared, holding onto their belief that God is guiding their path.
As they navigate the challenges ahead, Sarah and Matt are asking for continued prayers, support, and donations. The financial strain of hospital stays, medical expenses, and travel costs is becoming overwhelming, but with your help, they can focus on what truly matters: being there for Cross as he continues to fight for his life. Donations will go towards medical expenses, gas, food, and the time they have to take off work to be with their son.
Please consider sharing this page and keeping Cross and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Your support will make a meaningful difference in their journey, and together, we can help bring Cross home one step at a time.
Thank you for your generosity and love. Together, we can give Cross the chance to thrive and make a full recovery. Your kindness will always be remembered.
Isla’s Fight: Courage, Family, and Hope Against a Rare Brain Tumour.2140
At just a young age, Isla’s life has been turned upside down. Recently diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive brain tumour, she faces challenges no child should ever have to endure. For Isla and her family—her parents Steph and John, and her little brother Ollie—what should have been ordinary childhood milestones and family moments have been replaced with hospital corridors, treatments, and uncertainty.
Because of the rarity of her cancer, Isla has received most of her treatment in Edinburgh, a journey that has demanded immense resilience from both her and her family. Each hospital visit has meant long trips, weeks away from home, and the heartache of being separated from friends and family. The intensity of hospital stays, coupled with the stress of travel and disruption to their daily lives, has created both physical and emotional exhaustion for Isla and her parents. Yet through it all, Isla has approached her treatment with incredible courage and grace, showing a bravery far beyond her years.
Steph and John have been by Isla’s side every step of the way, putting their lives and work on hold to support her through each appointment, procedure, and sleepless night. Their dedication is unwavering, but the financial strain has been significant. Travel, accommodation, and lost income have added weight to an already overwhelming situation, leaving the family grappling with both emotional and practical burdens. Despite these challenges, they remain focused on what matters most: being together and supporting Isla as she fights for her life.
Over the past months, Isla has undergone extensive and exhausting treatments. These have included brain surgery, stem cell harvests, platelet and blood transfusions, and six intense rounds of chemotherapy. Each step has required resilience, strength, and a determination to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey. Yet even with such a heavy treatment schedule, Isla continues to amaze everyone around her. She smiles through the pain, offering an infectious grin that brightens the room and reminds those around her of the resilience and beauty of the human spirit.
The next stage of Isla’s treatment will be particularly challenging. She will need to spend three months in isolation while undergoing three rounds of high-dose chemotherapy. The hope is that this treatment will give her the best chance to survive, but the process will be physically and emotionally taxing for both Isla and her family. Isolation means further separation from the familiar comforts of home and daily life, a situation made even more difficult by her young age. Throughout this period, the love and support of her parents will be critical, and their presence a source of strength and comfort for Isla in ways medicine alone cannot provide.
Through it all, Isla has proven herself to be a true little warrior—brave, beautiful, and stronger than words can capture. Her courage inspires not only her family but also the medical teams and communities supporting her journey. Every smile, every moment of interaction, and every small milestone achieved is a testament to her determination and spirit.
Recognizing the financial and emotional strain facing the family, the community has been called upon to help. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to ease the pressures of travel, accommodation, and lost income, allowing Steph and John to focus solely on caring for Isla and supporting her recovery. Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to the wellbeing of the family during this incredibly difficult time. For those unable to give financially, sharing the story and keeping Isla in thoughts and prayers is equally valuable. Every bit of support and love helps sustain the family as they navigate this challenging journey.
Isla’s story is one of courage, hope, and resilience. While her fight is far from over, the combination of expert medical care, devoted family, and a community of support gives her the best chance at a future filled with more smiles, milestones, and joyful moments. Her bravery is a reminder of the strength that children can possess even in the face of extraordinary adversity, and the power of love, support, and compassion to help families endure.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who stands beside Isla and her family. Your support, kindness, and encouragement make a difference every single day. In the face of one of life’s most difficult battles, Isla continues to show what it means to fight with courage, hope, and unwavering spirit.