By Pat Kumpan
Cancer survivor Alexis Johnson is gearing up for the April 21-22 Relay for Life at Lake Poway.
Cancer survivors Alexis Johnson, left, and Peggy Osterhout are preparing for the Relay for Life April 21-22 in Poway.
She is heading the call to arms, encouraging other survivors to offer hope to those fighting the dreaded disease.
?We need more survivors to sign up,? Johnson said. ?That?s what this relay is all about.?
Johnson knows that during her own plight with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that typically afflicts boys, she was inspired by those who fought and won their fight with cancer.
This marks the fourth year that Johnson, a 19-year-old Poway High School alumna, has participated by forming a team, ?Cure for Kids? and serving on a relay committee, but her first year as survivor chairwoman.
She continues to gain support and pledges for her team from several local families with children and teens afflicted with cancer. While some kids have lost the battle, other kids, and adults, will carry on this year to raise money for the American Cancer Society in its pursuit to find a cure, Johnson said.
This month?s relay begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21 at the lake?s recreation area, 14644 Lake Poway Road and finishes at 9 a.m. the next day. Survivors will walk a victory lap at 9:30 a.m., while others will take laps throughout the day to fulfill their pledge commitment. Several participants will camp out that night and light luminarias to honor loved ones who either continue to fight cancer, or have lost their battle.
According to Johnson and her mentor, Peggy Osterhout, another cancer survivor, seeing the lit candles inside the tiny brown bags is the ultimate emotional experience. Guests often drop by to witness the view, the duo said.
Osterhout, who has had five family members die from cancer, said a bagpiper plays during the ceremony adding to the sentimental moment.
The Poway resident continues to head her own team, ?Memories,? one of several local teams, which can be accessed by going online to www.relayforlife.org/poway.ca.
Family games and other activities are scheduled throughout the event and those who want to donate $10 for a luminaria can call 858-231-1597. All proceeds from the luminarias and pledges benefit the American Cancer Society for research and patient services.
Johnson was diagnosed in 2008 with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, which typically afflicts boys. After several cancer treatments and surgeries, which left her with nerve damage to her leg, she ultimately decided to have her leg amputated, opting for more functionality with a prosthesis.
?People are unsure of it and little kids are curious (about it),? Johnson said. ?But I?m getting used to it.?
As a cancer survivor, she has learned to eat healthier, has a new daily exercise routine and is adjusting to life ? a ?new normal? ? with a prosthesis.
?Eventually, I?ll be able to run,? she added. ?My parents and family said it was all up to me when I decide to have the amputation.
Osterhout said Johnson is an inspiration to her.
?Alexis came to one of the relays in a wheelchair right after being hospitalized,? Osterhout said.
Johnson kept a poem by Osterhout pinned to her hospital wall during the surgeries, called ?Here I Am,? about ?living life, loving life? as a cancer survivor, words of hope, Johnson said.
Despite their age difference, being cancer survivors makes them sisters in spirit, they said. Who else can understand what being a cancer survivor means?
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