BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — 2020 has been a disaster for Emmanuel Johnson.
The pandemic came and he dropped out of school. He was going for a masters in fashion design. Then he lost his job. Dealing with a disability and living on social security, he's relied on the food pantry for help.
On top of all of that, his father tested positive for COVID-19, just before Thanksgiving.
"I'm the only family he has left. My mom died when I was four years old," explained Johnson, who lives in Buffalo.
His father, Francis Johnson, a 69-year-old with high blood pressure, did not take the virus seriously.
"It's not a hoax, like a lot of people think, whether you are a supporter of the outgoing president or not. It's about civic duty. We have a responsibility to protect one another," added Emmanuel.
Last month, Emmanuel's father died from COVID-19.
"I'm the only son of my father. So, it kind of hit me hard. And it's traumatizing," said Johnson.
While Emmanuel disagreed with his father about the virus, he wants him buried properly. He's asking Western New York for help. He doesn't want to, but he has no other choice.
He's set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
"I'm not trying to be greedy. I'm just trying to make sure he has a proper burial."
