In case you missed the horrible news, Hasbro went through yet another round of layoffs, parting ways with 100 employees. One of those unfortunate souls was Mr. John Warden.
If the name sounds familiar, it should, as John was part of Hasbro for the better part of three decades. John is a celebrated toy designer renowned for his work in the world of action figures and collectibles. With over two decades in the toy industry, Warden is best known for his pivotal role at Hasbro, where he worked as a lead designer on iconic brands like Transformers and G.I. Joe.
His deep understanding of fan culture, combined with a passion for storytelling, helped him bring beloved characters to life with a mix of intricate design and playability. Warden’s approach blends nostalgia with innovation, creating toys that resonate with both long-time collectors and new fans alike.
No one is ever ready for a layoff and John and his family are no exception. This unfortunate scenario leaves John and his family in a difficult position, especially in relation to medical bills. He’s put together a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of his wife’s extensive care. You can check it out here –
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-Warden-Family
Last week, our family was blindsided by Hasbro’s decision to lay off 100 employees.
Like many families we are still struggling with the grief and panic that such a drastic event can create.
In 1999, my career at Hasbro began. And in my career of 25 years I was able to design and direct a range of projects including Pokémon, G.I.Joe, Power Rangers, and Transformers. I was able to bring to life dreams for kids and kids at heart all around the world.
And while in many ways I consider myself blessed to live my dream job as a toy designer at Hasbro, the grief and fear felt by the uncertainty has an especially difficult toll on our family.
My fiancée Meaghan Elderkin, suffers from a condition known as Crohn’s Disease .
Crohn’s disease can be both painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications.
There’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. With treatment, many people with Crohn’s disease are able to function well.
She has survived a total of twenty (20) lower abdominal surgeries in the past 15 years, ranging from untangling her lower intestines to resections to splice living tissue together. And while she is able to digest food, the scar and nerve damage from the surgeries cause her to be in a constant state of pain.
A biological medicine called Skyrizi keeps her Crohn’s stabilized to the point where her chronic pain is tolerable and she can lead a normal life as a Mom.
Unfortunately, a single dosage (2 months) of Skyrizi costs $21,017.34. Without it to stabilize her Crohn’s, she runs the risk of another Abdominal Surgery which costs an average of $114,000.
Our need is absolutely urgent. While I am sorting out what step to take next in my career… this daunting financial figure and the specter it casts looms in our hearts. It’s hard to dream when the woman you love more than anything is suffering, and your savings are shrinking.
Please find it in your heart to help our family with any donation that you are able to give.
It will help to lift the heavy weight of uncertainty for Meaghan’s health from our minds.
Thank you for giving us hope. Modern treatments and new medicines are making living with Crohns more tolerable for the the millions that live in pain with this condition. Your donation could make a small difference in the peace of mind for our family.
Thank you to my friends and to all the G.I.Joe and Transformers fans I’ve met along the way. I appreciate each and every one of you.
My heart goes out to John and his family. I know the turmoil that he and his family are going through (I was laid off shortly after returning from cancer treatment).
If you’ve collected G.I.Joe or Transformers over the last 25 years and can spare a few bucks, then please support as you’re able.
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