Sheila Johnson is a courageous woman who has been battling Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) for 13 years. Her story sheds light on the underrepresented MBC discussions within the Black community and the urgent need for action to end breast cancer-related deaths.
BlackDoctor.org sat down with Johnson to discuss the motivation behind the creation of her remarkable upcoming film, “God’s Grace, The Sheila Johnson Story,” a narrative that unfolds her personal struggle with breast cancer. Johnson shares the challenges she faced while translating her profound experiences into a compelling narrative, the pivotal moments the movie will highlight, and the profound message of faith, grace, and resilience that she hopes viewers will take away from her powerful story.
Johnson’s unwavering determination to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, combined with her deep faith and unshakable hope, serves as an inspiration to all those facing similar health battles, reinforcing the importance of unity in the face of adversity. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Johnson’s story emerges as a beacon of hope, rallying communities to ask the tough questions, seek support, and advocate for change, for as she eloquently puts it, “When one wins, we all win.”
Can you tell us more about your upcoming movie, “God’s Grace: The Sheila Johnson Story”, and what inspired you to share your breast cancer journey through this film?
I’ve always wanted to share my story with a broader audience because I feel there are not many conversations had about Metastatic Breast Cancer in the Black community. I did say 13 years ago to God that there will be a movie about me. At that time, the statistics of someone living with MBC was only three to five years and then after 13 years of living with this disease, I knew something big would happen. I just want to help people understand my journey and so many others who are facing breast cancer. I want women to get their mammograms and perform their self-breast exams but I also want women to know they are never alone while facing breast cancer. There is a whole support system out there waiting for you with open arms.
I also don’t believe there has ever been a movie about MBC in Black women. So my movie will really give a whole different level of understanding of the urgent action needed to end breast cancer deaths.
What was the most challenging aspect of translating your personal experience with breast cancer into a compelling narrative for the movie?
The most challenging aspect for me was trying to tell 13 years of my story in one hour and 40 minutes while also making sure to hit all the important aspects of my story. Finding out and the acceptance was the hardest but also not knowing for nine months that there were support groups out there for me, so I basically didn’t have the support I needed. I mean this to say support from women who had the same diagnosis, and I certainly didn’t know any women with Stage IV breast cancer. The only two people I knew who were Black with breast cancer were my mom and myself. I was diagnosed at 43 and that was really challenging being diagnosed so young.
God's Grace: The Sheila Johnson StoryIn the trailer, we see glimpses of your journey. Can you share some of the key moments or turning points in your battle with breast cancer that the movie will highlight?
I love the trailer. It’s absolutely amazing how it was all put together. I haven’t seen the movie let me first say this. I’ve only seen the script and I was on site in Atlanta for one day for filming. Looking back I’m kind of glad it happened that way because I want the element of surprise like the viewers.
What message or lesson do you hope viewers will take away from “God’s Grace: The Sheila Johnson Story”?
The biggest lesson I want viewers to take away is – I guess there are many. I think the most important one is “take care of your breasts.” Know what normal feels like. Know your body and know yourself. And no matter what life challenges you have, the universe has your back. His GRACE is sufficient.
The movie’s title suggests the importance of grace in your journey. How have faith and spirituality played a role in your healing process?
My mom’s name is GRACE and I wanted to tie in her journey with MBC as well. My mom Grace Eveyln Johnson died in 2004 of MBC that spread to her lungs, and I received my diagnosis in 2009. My FAITH has played a very important part in my healing process. I truly don’t think I could make it each day or have made it this far without God’s Grace and Mercy. I’ve learned to lean on
This post first appeared on Health And Wellness Blog For African American, please read the originial post: here
