October 6, 2021
Michael Johnson: A Friend in Need
Michael Johnson is a long-time resident of Spearfish, South Dakota, former running back for Black Hills State University (BHSU), active member of Branch 173, and BetterLife agent.
Michael is a genuine, caring, loyal person who cares about his family, clients, team, and branch. When Michael was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease, the people around him rallied to come together and support him.
The Diagnosis
Michael and some of the Dakotas Agency team at the 2021 Northern Hills CASA Black Hills Super 6 bike race.
In 2017, Michael was hospitalized with unknown kidney issues. After seeing a nephrologist — a physician specializing in kidney disease — on a more regular basis, he and his wife Autum learned the truth. On February 11, 2019, Michael was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and was told he would need a kidney transplant. Many things contribute to kidney disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and genetics. Unfortunately, Michael’s mom, Ora Mae McGlown, passed away in May 2018 from kidney failure.
In November 2020, Michael was officially placed on the transplant list. However, after undergoing an aortic valve replacement on March 11, 2021, he was made inactive on the list until he is strong enough to undergo kidney transplant surgery. Michael goes to the dialysis center for treatment three times per week, four hours each time.
“Throughout all of this, it is incredible to see him persevere through this difficult health challenge, work, and be a part of his team. He has been optimistic and has had an ‘I’m going to beat this’ attitude.” – Jared Bruley, BetterLife Senior Vice President, Member Acquisition.
The Support
Michael has received an incredible amount of support from his family, friends, community, branch, and BetterLife. His wife Autum, who is also an agent with BetterLife, has been especially supportive throughout this entire journey.
Pictured left to right: Becca Lureen, Becky Helmberger, Michael Johnson, and Autum Johnson donating Thanksgiving turkeys to local families in need in 2019.
In March 2021, Becky Helmberger, Michelle Erlandson, Autum Johnson, and the rest of the BetterLife Dakotas Agency Team decided they needed to take action: they began to plan a benefit for Michael. Black Hills State University donated the building and tent for the day of the event. The team collected over 150 silent auction and raffle items and secured a variety of additional sponsors to help make the benefit possible.
The day of the benefit, volunteers from the BetterLife Home Office, Lakeshore Agency, Branch 173, Northern Hills CASA, and Spearfish Boy Scouts showed up to offer their support and help with the benefit.
The Benefit
On Sunday, May 24, 2021, the Spearfish community and BetterLife Family came together to raise funds for Michael and create awareness for ESRD at the Michael Johnson Benefit. Neither the rainy weather nor the pandemic could stop Michael’s friends and family from coming together; over 150 people attended to show their support for Michael at the BHSU Joy Center.
Spearfish, SD Boy Scout Troop 17 showed their support by presenting the Colors prior to the benefit.
At the benefit, many were sporting their Michael Johnson Benefit T-shirts while enjoying fresh pulled pork, listening to live music from 605 Media & Entertainment, bidding on silent auction items, and entering raffles. Although the weather made it difficult to set up the pre-planned kids’ activities, the children didn’t mind; in true Michael fashion, they made the best of their circumstances and danced in the rain.
There were over 150 raffle and silent auction items available, including two 1/8 Akaushi beef, a four-hour guided fly fishing excursion for two by the Spearfish Fly Shop, hotel stays, and more. There was also a 50/50 raffle; the winner, Rick Radliff, decided to donate the full winnings of $417.50 back to the benefit. With donations from local businesses, T-shirt sales, raffles, silent auction proceeds, and other monetary donations, they raised $21,463.76! Branch 173 also applied for $2,500 of BetterLife’s Matching Funds which means a total $23,963.76 will go towards medical expenses for Michael Johnson!
A Message from Michael and Autum
Michael Johnson, seated center, is surrounded by friends and BetterLife members at the Joy Center, Black Hills State University, during their fundraiser to help him through a kidney transplant.
Thank you just doesn’t seem sufficient for the generosity, support, and love from everyone who attended and helped to make this a special day. We are humbled and grateful to be surrounded by our friends, family, and community. We know how hard everyone worked to make this a great benefit, and we feel fortunate and blessed. The money raised will go toward out-of-pocket medical expenses and is a tremendous help.
How YOU Can Help
The average time to wait for a kidney through the transplant list is five years.
If you are interested in being a donor, contact Avera Transplant Institute at: (888) 909-1112 or (605) 322-7350 | avera.donorscreen.org