KELLY J. JOHNSON

Hi, I’m Kelly Johnson. I was born a Fort Campbell, Kentucky, graduated from Marcellus Central High School, and went on to complete a two-year program to become a court reporter. There was a year or two during my early and late teens when I lived in Phoenix, Arizona but decided, after a couple of attempts at living in the Southwest, that CNY was where I wanted to settle down.

In July 1981, I began my employment with the law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King. I’ve been the Administrative Assistant to the position of Executive Director of the firm since 1983. I like my job and it affords me the opportunity to work with the partners, associates and staff in our Syracuse office and our ten regional offices. No two days in a row are the same for me, and I welcome the versatility of my job.

I have a lot of family here in Central New York, and quite a bit in Arizona. I have eleven nieces and nephews ranging in age from 2 to 17 years old. I also have abundance of great friends, all of whom are a big part of my life. I spend a lot of time working in and around my 100+ year old home in Marcellus. In my free time I enjoy traveling, reading, sporting events, and a variety of activities.

I was first diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in June of 2001 at 39. After a modified double mastectomy, whereby all the breast tissue was removed, I began the reconstruction period. Luckily for me, the lymph nodes that were removed tested cancer free. At a six-month check-up in November of 2002, cancer was found again in the same area. I had surgery on both breasts again and began the reconstruction process a second time. However, implants were now necessary.

In March of 2004, I, hopefully, completed my last reconstruction. Through the love of my family and friends, and my wonderful and thorough doctors, I was able to remain positive, for the most part, during this three-year period. It wasn’t always easy. And, I did get frustrated with the length of time it took to get my body back to normal – not just once, but twice. But because of the people I am fortunate to have in my life, and a positive attitude, I am a survivor.

Women know their own bodies. If something doesn’t seem “normal” to you, have it checked out with a doctor. Breast cancer, like mine, doesn’t always come in the form of a lump, and can’t always be found by self-examination. Keep all of your annual appointments, and stay in tune with any changes in your body. Report anything unusual to your doctor. You know your body better than anyone else. Cancer isn’t selective. I’m not anyone special. I’m nobody, just me.

I want to thank the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund for giving this lectureship/sponsorship for medical research in my name this year. It’s an honor. Every step closer to finding a cure, its prevention and treatment gives breast cancer survivors, like me, a chance for a full life.