The Newshound

Replacement fundraiser gains traction as 81-year-old's daughter reveals her real identity after fake 'neighbour' deception shuts down $745,000 GoFundMe

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

A $250,000 GoFundMe cheque held by Donald Johnson, whose original $745,000 campaign was shut down after daughter Amy admitted using a fake identity to launch it.
A $250,000 GoFundMe cheque held by Donald Johnson, whose original $745,000 campaign was shut down after daughter Amy admitted using a fake identity to launch it.
Donald Johnson, who told donors the delivery work was "the only job that will hire me," had driven over 200,000 miles hauling luggage to cover his wife's cancer bills.
Donald Johnson, who told donors the delivery work was "the only job that will hire me," had driven over 200,000 miles hauling luggage to cover his wife's cancer bills.

Donald Johnson, an 81-year-old Texan who went viral delivering lost luggage to fund his wife Josephine's cancer treatment, is seeing fresh support pour into a replacement GiveSendGo campaign after his daughter Amy came forward under her real identity — a move prompted by GoFundMe pulling his original fundraiser over the fake 'neighbour' persona she had used to launch it. Amy had created a fictitious character called 'Erin Howell' to solicit donations, believing an outsider's appeal would draw more generosity than a family member's plea. GoFundMe uncovered the deception after receiving a tip on September 25, then confirmed it on a recorded call when Amy admitted she was Donald's daughter. The GiveSendGo campaign, where Amy is now transparent about her identity, had already raised over $48,000.

Donald, who told donors he took the delivery job because 'it's the only job that will hire me', had driven over 200,000 miles to cover his wife's bills.

Amy insists the underlying story is entirely true — the doorcam footage, the cancer diagnosis and the financial strain are all genuine.

GoFundMe refunded all donors from the original $745,000 campaign, saying misrepresenting identity 'undermines donors' ability to know who they are giving to', regardless of intent.

MoreDaily Mail AUFrail Texas man, 81, flooded with $700k in donations after kindly 'neighbor' spotted him working to pay wife's medical bills... but now he's lost ALL the cash after disturbing truth was exposedThe IndependentGoFundMe page for man, 81, working to fund wife’s cancer bills shut downprimetimer.comWhy was Donald Johnson's GoFundMe shut down after raising $700K? 81-year-old viral Texas delivery driver's fundraiser controversy explored - primetimer.com
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