GoFundMe has closed a fundraiser aimed at supporting cancer treatment for Josephine Johnson, wife of 81-year-old Donald Johnson. The fundraiser, which accumulated nearly $740,000, was reportedly shut down after allegations surfaced regarding the true identity of its organizer.
According to information shared with NewsNation, GoFundMe received a tip on September 25 suggesting that ‘Erin H,’ the individual who initiated the fundraiser, was actually Johnson’s daughter. Although ‘Erin H’ did not disclose any relation to Johnson on the fundraiser page, she admitted to being his daughter during a recorded call when questioned by GoFundMe.
On the now-archived GoFundMe page, Erin described a poignant scene in which Johnson was seen carrying heavy luggage that had been misplaced during a recent flight. Johnson reportedly explained the endeavor was part of raising funds for his wife’s cancer treatment.
In a statement to Fox4, GoFundMe emphasized the importance of safety and trust on its platform. They confirmed that the fundraiser and organizer account violated the Terms of Service, leading to its removal and refunding of donations. ‘Ensuring GoFundMe is a safe and trusted place to give and receive help is our top priority,’ they said.
GoFundMe stated that their Trust & Safety team reviewed the situation, highlighting their policy that demands authenticity and transparency from fundraiser organizers. The policies are enforced stringently to protect donor contributions and help genuine fundraising efforts.
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
