Jackie Johnson has a special glow about her. She is incredibly optimistic and cheerful despite being diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April of 2007 and enduring a double mastectomy and chemotherapy for a localized tumor. Ms. Johnson is the 2008 recipient of the WellFit for Life Lifetime Achievement Award for completing the ten week program while suffering from a severe health condition.

Jackie has a family history of breast cancer and prior to having a double mastectomy was living with Fibrocystic breast disease.“I have regular mammograms every year and I found the tumor 10 months after my last mammogram,” she explained.

The lump in her breast was found while performing a regular breast self–exam. When asked about how it was discovered, she said, “It was very obvious and it seemed to have come up suddenly.”

Although it is an aggressive form of cancer, fortunately, it has not spread to her lymph nodes. Jackie explains how she coped during this time, “I counted down my chemotherapy treatments, I’m 50 percent done, 75 percent done...My prognosis is very good with all the medication I’ve been on” she stated. “There is a 94 percent chance of it not returning in the next 10 years.”

In regards to her double mastectomy she states, “I’m 54 years old and I don’t care if I have breasts. I can have reconstructive surgery. I’m very content right now.”

Jackie has not participated in any cancer specific support groups; however, she is involved in another support group– Survivors of Suicide. “I would have gone to support groups had my prognosis not been very good. I feel very positive about this. Breast Cancer is not the worst thing that has happened in my life. My son dying is.” Having lost her son to suicide, Jackie truly is a survivor.

Jackie described the WellFit for Life program as, “An opportunity to get my energy back and push myself. It helped me tremendously. I noticed a big increase in energy and strength. I was surprised at the difference it made since I had gotten very weak.”

She is not new to the WellFit for Life or Best Weigh to go program, in fact, she used to be a coordinator and her team won their division last year. This year, Jackie and her coworkers made arrangements to walk together, brought healthy snacks to work, and shared their progress and concerns with one another during the ten week process. Jackie explained, “Having co–workers support and participate in the program was tremendous. It was a tough day, a tough time. Having people there to listen and commiserate helped.”

Her physical activity consisted of walking, riding the stationary bike, and a little gardening. Jackie expressed the challenges of being tired and the diffi culty of getting started with a routine again, “Initially, it was hard to just get myself up and go walk.”

Staying positive and fi nding people who support you in staying positive is a piece of advice Jackie would like to pass on to those who face similar situations. She also stressed the importance of setting small goals and making plans for the future. This provides something to focus on beyond the health condition you are facing.

With all she has endured in her life and contributed to this community as a teacher, a mother, and a role model for health and wellness– she is one amazing woman! Her special glow and kind demeanor offer inspiration and hope. The Teachers Health Trust is honored to award her with the WellFit for Life, Lifetime Achievement Award.

Heather Doane

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