Linda Johnson shares her message at Concert For a Cure
By Kyle LoJacono
Cancer has had a profound impact on Land O’ Lakes resident Linda Johnson’s life for the last 30 years.
She lost her aunt to breast cancer in 1982, the first of many encounters she has had with the disease. Johnson’s mother died of liver cancer in 1991, followed by her father succumbing to lung and brain cancer in 2003.
Johnson has also faced the difficult challenge of battling cancer herself. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 1991 and breast cancer in 2001. Fortunately for her it was detected early enough both times and the tumors were completely removed.
Today she is cancer free and will be sharing her story and message at the fourth annual Concert For a Cure at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 25.
“If I can survive so can others,” Johnson said. “I’m spreading the word. I’m a survivor. I’m behind the banner. When you have survived and are still living from cancer, not one time but twice in my case, that’s something to celebrate.”
Johnson doesn’t look at her history with cancer as a negative, but rather something that has made her a better person.
“People ask me how do you go on,” Johnson said. “You literally lost your family. I tell them I believe everything happens for a reason, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. Cancer made me stronger made me realize who my real true friends are. Who was really there for me in my life. I’m a fighter, always have been. If you just give up that’s not a challenge. I say bring it on. I’ve been through so much, and I’m still here. It’s not my time to leave this earth.”
Any pain that she relives is negated by the good that comes from spreading awareness.
“If I can tell my story and educate a person about how important it is to check a lump out, or get your yearly physical, if one person listens to me I have saved a life,” Johnson said. “I don’t spread the word about treatments. I spread the word that if you have lost your job and you don’t have the funds or insurance there are still so many resources that will help you.
“For example, October is breast cancer awareness, and almost every doctor does cash visits and lowers mammograms price,” Johnson continued. “Also the board of health right here in Land O’ Lakes offers yearly exams and mammograms.”
Lilly Fontanez organizes the event as a fundraiser for her Relay For Life team called the Sun Rays. She said having people like Johnson at the concert helps the message of awareness and perseverance hit home for those in attendance.
“She’s a survivor,” Fontanez said. “Having someone like her tell her story gives people hope they can get through their own fight with cancer. It also shows what early detection can do so other people get checked out like she was.”
Johnson will be one of several cancer survivors who will share their story at the event.
The concert itself will include several local bands playing in front of the center. The day will also include a taste of the town with several local restaurants. Admission, which is $10 for adults and $5 for kids, includes five tickets to sample the food. People can purchase additional tickets for $1 each.
The event will also include pony rides and a bounce house for younger guests.
All the money raised goes toward the Sun Rays, which will donate the funds to the American Cancer Society at the Relay For Life event at Land O’ Lakes High on March 30. The goal is to bring in $2,500.
If you go
- Where: Land O’ Lakes Community Center
- Address: 5401 US 41 in Land O’ Lakes
- When: Saturday, Feb. 25
- Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for those 10 and younger
