GoFundMe has taken down a fundraiser started to help Donald Johnson, an 81-year-old Texas delivery driver, cover his wife's cancer treatment costs, after the campaign raised a large sum of money and went viral.
Johnson drew widespread attention after being seen hauling heavy suitcases up stairs while continuing to work despite his age, with supporters saying he was doing so to help pay for his wife's cancer bills.
Outlets differ on the exact amount raised before the fundraiser was removed: The Independent reported $281,000, while Newsweek and Fox News reported the total reached $700,000 to $745,000.
According to the New York Post, GoFundMe said it removed the campaign after uncovering what it called 'factual misrepresentations,' and the Post reported the fundraiser's organizer was revealed to be Johnson's daughter.
NewsNation reported on GoFundMe's removal of the fundraiser but did not provide additional detail on the platform's stated reasoning beyond confirming the shutdown.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Independent reported the fundraiser raised $281,000 before being shut down.
- Coverage highlighted Johnson's viral moment of hauling suitcases to help pay his wife's cancer bills.
“GoFundMe for 81-year-old seen hauling suitcases to pay wife's cancer bills raised $281K. Now it's been shut down” — The Independent
Center
- Newsweek and NewsNation both reported on GoFundMe's decision to shut down the fundraiser.
- Newsweek reported the fundraiser had raised $745,000 and examined GoFundMe's reasoning.
- NewsNation confirmed the shutdown, framing it as a developing report.
“Why GoFundMe Shut Down $745K Donald Johnson Cancer Fundraiser” — Newsweek
Right
- The New York Post reported GoFundMe cited 'factual misrepresentations' as the reason for removal.
- The Post reported the fundraiser's organizer was revealed to be Johnson's daughter.
- Fox News reported the fundraiser reached $700,000 before being pulled.
“GoFundMe has removed a fundraiser that raised more than $281,000 for an 81-year-old Texas delivery driver — who went viral for hauling heavy bags up a flight of stairs to help pay his wife's cancer bills — saying it uncovered "factual misrepresentations."” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened to Donald Johnson's GoFundMe fundraiser?
GoFundMe removed a fundraiser set up to help 81-year-old Texas delivery driver Donald Johnson pay for his wife's cancer bills, after it had raised a large amount of money. According to the New York Post, GoFundMe said it found 'factual misrepresentations' in the campaign.
How much money did the fundraiser raise before it was taken down?
Sources disagree on the amount: The Independent reported $281,000, while Newsweek and Fox News reported the total reached between $700,000 and $745,000.
Why did Donald Johnson go viral?
Donald Johnson, an 81-year-old delivery driver in Texas, was seen hauling heavy suitcases up a flight of stairs while continuing to work despite his age, drawing attention because he was reportedly doing so to help pay for his wife's cancer treatment.
Who started the fundraiser for Donald Johnson?
According to the New York Post, the fundraiser's organizer was revealed to be Johnson's daughter.
Why did GoFundMe shut down the campaign?
According to the New York Post, GoFundMe said it removed the fundraiser after uncovering 'factual misrepresentations,' though other outlets did not detail the platform's specific reasoning.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- The IndependentLeft-leaningGoFundMe for 81-year-old seen hauling suitcases to pay wife’s cancer bills raised $281K. Now it’s been shut down
- NewsNationCenterGoFundMe shuts down fundraiser for man paying wife’s cancer bills: Report
- NewsweekCenterWhy GoFundMe Shut Down $745K Donald Johnson Cancer Fundraiser
- Fox NewsRight-leaning81-year-old refuses to stop working as wife battles cancer, then strangers try to help
- New York PostRight-leaningTexas delivery driver Donald Johnson’s viral $700K fundraiser taken down after organizer revealed to be his daughter