Save the Juggs! Firefighter/Marine Mr Jade Johnson

Everybody loves Juggs! Jade “Juggs” Johnson is a cancer survivor, Marine Veteran, and wildland firefighter. Despite his heart remaining in his home country of Texas, he came to Arizona to pursue a career as a pilot in the skies above, and ended up finding himself fighting fires on the ground below. In 2018, after taking a position with the Prescott National Forest in the Verde Valley, an abnormal growth formed on his neck. He took it with good humor, as this is the source of the nickname he still holds today.

“Hey there! What’s that hanging off your jugular?!”

Unfortunately, a great attitude and stellar work ethic can’t ward off disaster. It wasn’t until after the chaotic demands of fire season had ended that Jade was able to get his Jugg checked out. The biopsy discovered cancer of the thyroid gland. The first surgery took place in October and removed the right side of the thyroid. After more tests, there were more problems. A second surgery was needed in December, removing the rest of the thyroid and cancerous lymph nodes. A complication occurred during the operation. Jade’s lung collapsed, stretching the duration of the surgery over 9 hours. A tracheotomy and feeding tube were required.

But cancer can’t beat “Juggs” Johnson. Knowing fire season was a few months away he began the slow process of walking and clocking miles. Then battling the menace of cardio. He was rewarded for his hard work and efforts in fire readiness in late March with a dose of radiation. Two weeks before the start of the fire season… On his birthday.

Over the winter off-season, insurance costs were $650.00 per month, when Jade was unable to work. This alone cost $3,900 dollars before he was able to receive his first paycheck. It was about this time that the bills started to trickle in from tests and surgeries, keeping Jade in debt as he struggled to begin replenishing his bank account through the work week.

While we wish we could tell you this is a completed story with only a couple loose threads, we can’t. Juggs is still having to take time off from work for blood tests and check-ups, as the prognosis that the cancer is completely gone is seeming more unlikely. This is preventing opportunities for him to get his finances in order while simultaneously increasing his debt load. We’re asking for donations for this reason, to help keep our buddy’s head above water. And, if you’re feeling generous, to maybe help him afford one of those catfish dinners with a side of sweet tea that remind him of home.

Thank y’all so much.