
==== Front
Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs
Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs
Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing
2347-5625
2349-6673
Elsevier

S2347-5625(24)00140-9
10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100518
100518
Correspondence
Journey of friendship and mentorship: Remembering Judi Johnson
Wang Qi qiwong@126.com

Nursing Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
15 5 2024
10 2024
15 5 2024
11 10 100518© 2024 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Asian Oncology Nursing Society.
2024

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
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pmcJudi Johnson is my dear friend. We first met in 2003, when I attended the Oncology Nursing Committee (ONS) Congress in Anaheim, California. Aware of the financial and linguistic challenges faced by Chinese nurses attending conferences abroad, Judi kindly invited me to stay at her home for a few days before we both attended the conference. Despite it being our first meeting, her warm smile, kind gestures, and intentionally slow her speech quickly alleviated all my nervousness and unfamiliarity, consequently preparing me well for my presentation at the conference. During the conference, Judi not only managed her own responsibilities during the conference but also took the initiative to help me gather books and materials about my job to bring back to China. She told me, “Knowledge is most important; bringing it back home is the greatest purpose of your visit.” Since then, we have maintained our close contact. She regularly updates me with the latest information on oncology nursing, enriching my professional knowledge and sharing updates about her life with her husband, Randy Johnson, continually deepening our friendship (Photo 1).Photo 1 Judi Johnson, her husband Randy Johnson, and Qi Wang in Tianjin, 2017.

Photo 1

In the 1970s, Judi authored and published “I Can Cope”. This book provides a comprehensive and accessible exploration of cancer fundamentals, epidemiology, patients’ psychological problems, changed lifestyle and social relationships, cancer symptom management, dietary supplies, and the ways of communication with doctors, other care givers, and social support groups. Interspersed with real-case scenarios, it serves as a practical reference for oncology nursing both then and now.

In spring 2012, as a Fulbright scholar, Judi brought “I Can Cope” book and teaching materials to Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital (TMUCIH), conducting a six-week training program for our nursing staff. Each morning, she immersed herself in the wards to learn our nursing practices and patient care, when she visited the patients, she was spreading her compassion and professionalism with her kind smiles and hugs. Each afternoon, she gave at least two hours of lectures, repeatedly covering each topic to ensure all shifts of nurses could benefit. She also facilitated group discussions post-lectures to address any questions raised by the attendees. With her desire of helping the attendees acquire what she instructed, she made her presentations vivid, well-illustrated, and designed, in order that her lectures were easy to be understood by the attendees and consequently empower them to effectively assist their patients coping with the conditions that they may encounter during the trajectory of cancer and stay health with cancer (Photo 2, Photo 3).Photo 2 Judi Johnson and several nursing staff members at TMUCIH discussing the “I Can Cope” program in 2012.

Photo 2

Photo 3 Judi Johnson visiting the hepatology department at TMUCIH in 2012.

Photo 3

During her downtime, some of our research-focused nurses sought Judi's guidance on their projects. She meticulously assisted them in refining their work, rigorously revising their research papers with great care and precision. Moreover, her husband, Randy Johnson voluntarily taught English to the nurses, engaging in conversations that fostered an English-speaking environment. This approach made learning engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Judi's assistance extended beyond our hospital. In facilitating the partnership between the China Anti-Cancer Association Oncology Nursing Committee (CACA-ONS) and the American Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), she actively contributed like an envoy, offering suggestions and participating in the discussion that happened between the representatives from the CACA-ONS and the ONS as she was worried that the language misunderstanding may arise during the discussion. Till now this collaboration has flourished for many years.

In 2003, as a special advisor, Judi significantly contributed to the founding of the Asian Oncology Nursing Society (AONS). Believing strongly that every association should have its official journal as a platform for communication and development, she spearheaded the creation of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing (APJON) journal. As its founding editor-in-chief, she and her editorial team worked tirelessly to elevate APJON into a globally recognized, authoritative publication in the field of oncology nursing. She capitalized on every opportunity to promote the journal, drawing in professional readers with high-quality, academically valuable articles. Her relentless efforts resulted in the journal becoming the official publication of the AONS. Additionally, after presenting its achievements in detail to Clarivate Analytics in Philadelphia alongside Professor Margaret Barton-Burke, APJON was successfully indexed in the Web of Science database just six years after its inception (Photo 2, Photo 3).Photo 4 Prof Winnie So, Judi Johnson, Prof Myunsun Yi, and Prof Yi's colleague at the AONS 2015 Conference in Seoul. AONS, Asian Oncology Nursing Society.

Photo 4

Throughout her career, Judi has been a leader, dedicating her life to oncology nursing, patient care and education, making remarkable contributions to the global development of oncology nursing. Undaunted by challenges, she traveled multiple times to Kenya and some other Asian countries to disseminate the “I Can Cope” curriculum and train the local nurses, unfazed by the difficult living conditions and work environment. Despite her age and physical limitations, her belief in spreading knowledge and love as a source of empowerment for others kept her going.

I once read in her magazine, ‘JOHNSON & JOHNSON’ about three Kenyan children whose education expenses were supported from her modest income, and this financial support would last through their university education. I was deeply moved by this. Recalling an incident during an international cancer nursing conference when we got lost on the way from the hotel to the venue, I suggested taking a taxi after seeing her struggle with walking. However, she insisted, “I'm fine, no problem,” and we continued on foot. Her frugality in personal life contrasts with her generosity in supporting the education of these three Kenyan children (Photo 2, Photo 3).Photo 5 Judi Johnson leading a group discussion following her presentation on the “I Can Cope” program at TMUCIH in 2012.

Photo 5

Spending time with Judi, one cannot help but admire her resilient spirit, depth of knowledge, and humble nature. She never boasts about her achievements, remaining grateful for everything she has accomplished. The last time we parted, as I watched her frail figure disappear into the distance at the airport, tears welled up in my eyes. They were tears of sadness from our farewell and tears moved by her inspiring spirit. Judi's character truly touched my heart.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process

No AI tools/services were used during the preparation of this work.
