Health in Grayslake—A Family Matter

Grayslake, Illinois is the home of Carl “Vern” and Maggie Johnson, faithful Pietisten supporters. Vern and Maggie have two children who are North Park University graduates, Carl “Andy” (2000) and Marit (2003). Both Marit and Andy were outstanding scoccer players at North Park. Marit earned All-Conference honors and was selected for the team’s Leadership Award.

Andy had to overcome physical problems created by Krohn’s disease which began in Junior High school to continue to play soccer. After graduation, he worked at a Covenant camp in Unalakleet, Alaska.

Progression of the disease forced Andy to return to Illinois and doctors determined he needed a liver transplant. Marit stepped up as she has done many times in both sports and academic work. She donated 60 percent of her liver to her brother.

The procedure was a success. Brother and sister are recuperating at home with their parents and both are doing well so far. The online Covenant News (www.covchurch.org/cov/news) quotes Marit: “It was an easy decision for me. We’re definitely glad it’s behind us, but I’d like to think that anyone would have done this. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if he had died and I knew I could have helped. Nothing else mattered compared to that.” Andy said: “We’ve always been close as a family, though we may not be the most expressive about it. We’ve always taken care of each other no matter what. And I think that it’s brought us even closer together.”

We can only imagine the relief and gratitude the Johnsons are experiencing and we toast the continued health of all.