Local 'fix-it guy' needs fixing
Ryan Johnson's heartbreaking situation
By Dawn Schimpp Timbs World reporter
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Ryan Johnson is a 'fixit' guy.
The owner of 'RJ's Fixit Crew and Small Engine Repair' in Motley, Ryan spends his days patching up the engines of chainsaws, boats, lawnmowers and "a little bit of everything," he said recently at his shop on Third Avenue.
For the past several years, Ryan's been in need of some 'fixing up' himself. Unfortunately, the solution isn't as easy (or affordable) as replacing a sprocket or cylinder.
"Doctors aren't really sure what the problem is," the 27-year old said. "All I know is that my heart has received a lot of damage over the years and it's not in good shape. I've been told that I need to see a specialist at Mayo Clinic as soon as possible."
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"I'm working on getting my ducks in a row," Ryan said in regard to the financial reality of his situation.
Ryan and Sarah, his high-school sweetheart, have three children under the age of nine - Keegan, Mary and Cadence. "I've got a lot to live for," he says with a smile.
Ryan's family and friends are hoping to help raise enough money to send him to the Mayo.
"Hopefully the doctors there can figure out what's wrong before there's any more damage to his heart," said Ryan's mother, Linda Johnson, of Motley.
Ryan's symptoms started years ago when he was just a fifth grader at Motley Elementary School.
"He started passing out in class," recalled Linda during a recent phone conversation. "It was scary, but at the time we didn't know how serious it was."
Doctors initially thought Ryan was suffering from seizures and treated him accordingly. The medicine seemed to help for awhile, but when Ryan turned 20, he began passing out more frequently.
It wasn't until three years ago that a cardiologist from St. Cloud Hospital diagnosed Ryan as having a rare form of arrhythmia.
"My heart speeds up to 300 beats a minute sometimes," Ryan said. "It averages about 140 beats all the time."
According to the American Heart Association's website, a normal (resting) heartbeat for adults is anywhere between 60 and 80 beats a minute.
Although arrhythmia is fairly common, Ryan said, the symptoms he experiences are not.
"The passing out has made it difficult to hold down a full-time job," Ryan said. "As a husband and father, that's pretty stressful," he added.
He has worked in the past at a group home in Wadena and at Home Depot in Baxter. "People were always very understanding, but it was sort of difficult, because I never knew when I might pass out," Ryan said.
About two years ago, Ryan decided to start his own business because of his health issues. "I could control my own hours, which has been helpful," Ryan said.
He enjoys his work, Ryan said; and is grateful for the folks that stop by his shop. "There's a lot of great people out there. A lot of people care and are concerned about my situation."
Ryan's grandparents Ernie and Marie Johnson of Motley, stop by his shop on a regular basis to check on their grandson.
"We love our Ryan," says Marie, giving her grandson a quick hug.
Recently, Ryan had what he calls "a bad spell" at work. "I had a lot of chest pain and they called 911," he said, crediting his employees for their quick thinking.
Ryan was brought to Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples, where he was seen by a cardiologist from St. Cloud.
"He's the one that said I should see someone at the Mayo Clinic," Ryan said.
Because his heart has been severely damaged, Ryan has been told that ablation surgery (to put in a pace maker) is not possible. "Doctors have said that my heart would not survive that surgery," Ryan said. "Hopefully someone at Mayo might have another solution," he added.
The uncertainty of his medical condition has been the hardest on his son, Keegan, Ryan said. "When Sarah was at work, Keegan's job was to push the red button if there was a medical alert," Ryan said. "I think it kind of traumatized him."
Although her son has a family of his own now, Linda said there's not a day goes by that she doesn't worry about Ryan. "It has been so frustrating," she said.
Linda and her husband, Steve, have done what they could in the past to help raise money for their son's medical expenses.
"Three years ago, we collected pop cans here in Motley for Ryan. We raised about $1,000," Linda said.
When it seemed he was doing better, Ryan continued to collect pop cans for others in need, Linda said. "He said he wanted to pay back somehow."
Seth Butterfield, who works for Ryan, is hoping something can be done to make sure his friend receives the financial and medical help he needs.
"He's a great guy," Seth said. "He's got three small kids and a wife that need him."
It's humbling, Ryan said, to have had so many people in the community offer their support to him and his family over the years.
"My friends and family; and a strong faith, have gotten me through this so far," he said. "I'm grateful for the prayers, especially," he added.
Ryan continues to get his "financial ducks in a row," he stressed again. He has recently applied for Medical Assistance which he hopes will cover a portion of the Mayo Clinic costs.
"I hope we're able to get him down there soon," Linda said. "He's had more trouble today...feeling woozy, numbness in his arm. As a mother, it breaks my heart."
In the meantime, Ryan keeps himself busy fixing up engines that aren't running right.
"I think this just needs a new sprocket and it'll be good as new," he says, looking at a chain-saw someone brought in earlier that day.
Hopefully, the medical experts at Mayo will be able to discern what sort of 'sprockets' will make Ryan's heart as good as new. And soon.
