A titan of nursing, whose influence brought to the forefront the importance of patient and family education and supportive care to the oncology community, passed away April 20, 2024. Dr. Judi Johnson came into national and international prominence when the American Cancer Society (ACS) adopted her doctoral thesis and program, “I Can Cope.” ACS chose oncology nurses to lead the program nationally. Judi was the third president of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), which expanded to become the largest professional cancer organization in the world. She was one of two nurses who founded MASCC, ensuring that all disciplines worldwide in cancer care were included as equals. She established the Patient Education Study Group; served on the board from 1998-2004 and became Associate Director 2005-2011. She was instrumental in several MASCC projects.
Judi recognized talent and expertise of many oncology professionals, encouraging their involvement in MASCC. Her international influence launched nurse leaders into the MASCC orbit, who not only became MASCC leaders themselves, but also emulated MASCC’s commitment to supportive care and patient education in their countries.
“One could never say no to Judi” recalls Anita Nirenberg, PhD, RN, recipient of an ONS Lifetime Achievement Award. Sultan Kav, PhD, RN from Turkey and past EONS President, writes “Dr. Johnson inspired and motivated Asian cancer nurses to unite their cancer societies into the Asian Oncology Society (AONS). The first AONS Congress took place in Bangkok, Thailand, November 2013. She initiated and served as the founding editor of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing, which reached its 10th anniversary and has gained high impact among oncology nursing journals.” Joel Epstein, DMD, MSD, who represented ISOO on the MASCC Board for years, notes, “Judi made everyone feel at home, playing a significant role in building the MASCC family – truly impactful for all who knew her.” Former ISOO President, Deborah McGuire, PhD, RN remembered, “What keeps coming into my mind is the bevy of international nurses who always flocked around her at MASCC and other international conferences such as ISNCC. Judi was a magnet for international nurses because of her generous mentoring and support.” MASCC Founder and former president, Richard Gralla, MD, FACP summarizes, “Judi was our teacher, our friend, and our inspiration. Her impact and personal courage will continue to benefit countless numbers of people with cancer for generations.”
Rest in peace, my friend. Cindy Rittenberg
