Karmon Johnson
Finding Strength at Work and on the Water
Karmon Johnson loves her job as a clinic relations consultant coordinator at Pureform & Pure Kids Radiology, but never did she think she’d be sitting on the patient side of the desk.
“Being part of a group so focused on taking care of others, one tends not to think about taking care of their own health sometimes. That was me,” says Karmon. “But when I turned 42, I thought it was time to focus on my health and have a mammogram. I assumed everything would be fine until it wasn’t.”
Karmon was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I remember how surreal it felt. I understood healthcare from a professional perspective but suddenly I was the patient. My first thoughts were about my children and whether I would be there for all the important moments still ahead of them.”
Karmon underwent a lumpectomy, ovary removal, chemotherapy, radiation and bone infusions. She lost all her hair during treatment and was forced into early menopause.
There is a family history of breast cancer. Karmon’s maternal grandmother passed away from breast cancer at 47, and it is also prevalent on her father’s side.
“There were difficult days, physically and emotionally. But I was incredibly fortunate to have amazing support around me. My family, partner Dwayne, friends, colleagues and healthcare teams were all so important to my journey.”
Working in breast health gave Karmon a unique perspective on becoming a patient herself.
“I knew how important screening was because of the work I do. At Pureform, we encourage women to begin screening at 40, and we even offer breast screening parties where women can bring their ‘breast friend’ to enjoy some appetizers and beverages and support one another through the process. Experiencing it myself gave me a deeper appreciation for what patients go through.”
With treatment now behind her, Karmon is taking serious charge of her health. She is also renewing her spirit and regaining her spunk as a new paddling member of Sistership Calgary, a dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors.
“Never did I dream of taking up a paddle with a dragon boat team. My oncologist would be so thrilled if she saw me today! I’ve lost 40 lbs since I started dryland training and water practice sessions. I am learning new things about what my body can do, and I’m stronger and fitter than I ever was.”
“Being with these women is special. There is something about being on the water, surrounded by nature, paddling and laughing together that gives me a sense of peace and strength,” says Karmon.
Karmon’s first dragon boat festivals were in Calgary where her Sistership Spirit crew claimed bronze in their division, and in Edmonton where they won gold in the “Pink Ribbon Challenge Cup” Breast Cancer Survivor race. She is on the roster for Penticton, B.C., and looking ahead, may even take part in an international festival one day.
With her continued appreciation for her Pureform team and a greater sense of empathy for patients, Karmon now sees life differently.
“I’m still navigating some of the challenges that came with cancer and treatment, but I’ve learned that I can keep pushing forward. If I can make it through everything I went through, I know I can face whatever comes next. I hold that same regard for the women I paddle with. They are strong, resilient and fit! They inspire me.”
“I’m so thankful for the day a Sistership Calgary member came into the office,” explains Karmon. “Her enthusiasm gave me the nudge I needed to reach out and join. It’s been a warm and welcoming experience and has had a positive influence on my life.”
“For me, Sistership isn’t just about dragon boating. It’s about women supporting women, friendship, resilience and realizing that life can still surprise you. I never expected breast cancer to lead me here, but I’m incredibly grateful that it did.”
