Tammie Johnson: Leader, Thriver and Advocate
How Tammie Johnson overcame her own cancer diagnosis and shares her passion for elevating research for others
Tammie Johnson has been familiar with the V Foundation for many years. From supporting from afar to attending events, she’s been passionate about the mission and work of the V Foundation.
Although Tammie’s family had never personally been impacted by cancer, she saw the impact game-changing research was making for others in their battles. In 2023, however, she saw the importance of cancer research personally.
Tammie had blood work done that detected something was wrong and went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for further tests. The test results were shocking at that moment as she was diagnosed with stage 3 stomach cancer.
The emotions of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but Tammie’s team of oncologists encouraged her and had a plan for treatment. She underwent four rounds of chemotherapy, had surgery that removed over 40% of her stomach and 30 lymph nodes, and then went back for four more rounds of chemotherapy.
“I’m doing great today. I feel fantastic now,” Tammie said.
Throughout Tammie’s treatment, she was continually encouraged by both Jim Valvano’s legendary speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards Show and those closest around her.
“Jim Valvano motivated me, his speech was phenomenal,” Tammie said. “Having my family and my dogs with me through this whole thing, it gave me motivation to stay positive and keep moving forward and being happy that I was still here.”
Today, Tammie is proudly sharing her story and advocating for the advancement of research. After attending the Dick Vitale Gala for years, Tammie, who is the president and owner of CJ Drilling, based outside Chicago, partnered with the V Foundation to launch the Chicago Epicurean in 2024. The Chicago Epicurean proudly raised over $2 million for innovative cancer research in its first year.
“I was really excited about the event coming to Chicago,” Tammie said. “I’ve been involved with the galas in Sarasota, Florida, with Dick Vitale, and we’ve had nothing but great output on it, and I wanted to help and be supportive of the V Foundation in the Chicago area.”
Tammie has experienced how research is the path to Victory Over Cancer®. However, it isn’t enough until cancer is finally defeated.
“Victory Over Cancer® to me would be to find a cure for a lot of these rare cancers that can’t be cured. There’s a lot of people suffering with that, and it really bothers me that we can’t find a cure for this.”
The V Foundation is tirelessly working to fund best of the best researchers seeking major breakthroughs in the fight against cancer. Since 1993, the V Foundation has funded over $353 million in game-changing cancer research, leading to proven, positive impact as mortality rates continue to fall.
One thing that Tammie loves about the V Foundation is that 100% of direct donations go toward innovative research, thanks to an endowment that covers administrative expenses. Because of this commitment, every donation to the V Foundation is advancing research dedicated to developing new treatment options and saving lives.
“One hundred percent of donations is a big deal. There’s a lot of funds out there that don’t have 100% go to where it needs to go, and you don’t know where the money’s going. It’s a big deal. People need that help and research, and it goes a long way.”
