A 5-year-old boy battling an aggressive brain tumor has always dreamed of visiting Myrtle Beach. On Friday, local community members made that dream come true.
Ricky Johnson was diagnosed with glioblastoma just two weeks ago in his home state of Georgia. His tumor has been progressing quickly.
“When you have a child that’s normal and he goes from normal to being sick, it’s really really hard,” said his mother, Magan Johnson.
Not only is Ricky facing a terminal tumor, he also has autism. On top of that, Magan is expecting their third child.
“It’s tough but we make it day day. Every day’s different. We take each day as it comes,” said Johnson.
For Melanie Emery, the Johnson’s story hit close to home. Doctors diagnosed her daughter with glioblastoma when she was 9 years old, and said she only had six months to a year to live. She’s now 14 years old.
Courageous Kidz, the Charleston-based nonprofit that’s supported Emery and her daughter through her illness, reached out to Emery two days ago about the Johnsons coming to Myrtle Beach.
“The minute I got that phone call, it brought me back to where I was. I know what it’s like to be that mom,” said Emery.
Within that time, Emery organized a celebration for Ricky, including Myrtle Beach firefighters, an ice cream truck, and face painting. She said she wanted to pass along the same support and hope that’s gotten her through these last five years.
“Welcome to our town. Welcome to Myrtle Beach. We’re here for you,” said Emery.
“It feels great. It feels really really great. Ya’ll didn’t know us from Adams and it’s like y’all know us already,” said Johnson.
Though Georgia will always be home, the Johnsons say they’ve found a new family in Myrtle Beach.
“Just very, very happy that there’s people out there that care,” Johnson said.
