Five-year-old Evelyn Johnson was diagnosed with leukemia on March 22, 2024.
“Obviously, our lives got flipped upside down that day,” Evelyn’s father Kyle told Andy Yamashita of the Seattle Times. “Worst thing you can hear as a parent.”
Hardest 2 months of my life. Kids shouldn’t get cancer. Wish I was as strong as her, she is kicking ass. pic.twitter.com/ediacnJqOg
— Kyle Johnson (@360Kyle) May 7, 2024
Since that day, the Johnsons have seen an outpour of support from two communities of normally bitter rivals, the Washington Huskies and Oregon Ducks. The two fanbases have come together to raise $51,640 to support Evelyn and her family through her treatment, surpassing the original goal $50,000 goal set by the GoFundMe fundraiser organizers, Evie’s aunts, Natalie May and Ronnie Harmer.
On Tuesday, Kyle took to X (formerly Twitter) to offer an update on Evelyn’s status.
As she continues to battle fevers and long drives to the hospital, Kyle shared a video of his daughter, who was extremely broken up about her favorite player, wide receiver Rome Odunze, moving on from Washington and joined the ranks of the NFL after being selected No. 9 overall in the 2024 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears.
Evelyn found out her favorite football player, Rome Udunze won’t be playing for the Huskies this year. If you don’t feel this way are you even a fan? 😭😭 A lot of fevers and hospital trips this week, she is battling hard. Thx again everyone. pic.twitter.com/xTYuF61zbw
— Kyle Johnson (@360Kyle) June 4, 2024
Odunze saw the video and became the latest Husky to send a message to Evelyn and her family.
I might just have to suit up in the Purple & Gold one more time 🥺🥺 Don’t worry Evelyn you can still see me play just in some new colors! https://t.co/9YxtPGTjur
— Rome Odunze (@RomeOdunze) June 4, 2024
The 2023 Consensus All-American’s golden personality always shined through during his time at Washington and should propel him to become at least a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award during his time in the NFL.
The entire Huskies Wire team is sending love and support to Evie and the Johnson family as they navigate through this extremely difficult time.
If you’d like to donate to Evie’s GoFundMe, click here.