This story was originally published Oct. 25, 2017 in The Saline Courier, 140 (298), and can be viewed HERE.

after mom's death, son strives to raise awareness for breast cancer research

he was the backbone of the family.

But in May of 2005, Brenda Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer, beginning her four-year battle with the disease.

No one in the family had known someone who had gone through cancer. At first, they did not recognize the severity of the disease. Her son, Brian Johnson, describes her as a strong, independent woman, so he had no reason to believe that she would lose the battle.

“If you've never experienced it, you don't know the effects it [will have] on somebody, and your first thought is ‘We can beat this, this is nothing, it’s only breast cancer,’” Brian Johnson said. “[But] as time went along, it just took a toll on her.”

She underwent surgery to remove the large mass and had chemotherapy treatments. However, the cancer spread from her breast, to her vocal cords and eventually to her spine.

Brian Johnson could tell there was a decline in her health as his mom could no longer walk. He did not want to accept the reality, but he knew she was going to die.

“In the back of your mind, you see it coming, but at the same time you want to stay positive, so you try to wish for the best,” Johnson said.

Brenda Johnson died in May 2009. Up until she was diagnosed, the family did not participate in the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure, or pay attention to the campaigns in place to raise awareness.

As the football and basketball director for the peewee sports programs at Harmony Grove, Brian Johnson wanted to educate kids and their parents on breast cancer to spread awareness of the disease.

A year after his mom’s death, he began an annual “Pink Out” game.

After the game, he sits down and talks about the purpose behind wearing pink. He asks the kids if they know anyone who has had or has breast cancer. They talk about survivors and those who have passed away.

He wants the kids and their parents to know why they wear pink, who they want to remember through the act and spread awareness about the affects breast cancer may have on a person.

“Prior to my mother having breast cancer, I wouldn't deck myself out in pink,” Brian Johnson said. “I didn't know anything about breast cancer. It’s important for everybody to be aware of the effects. Anything you can do [to raise awareness] helps.”