Jenniemae Johnson

“Devastated” is the descriptor Jenniemae Johnson used as she recalled when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 47 years old and had already experienced the pain of going through the disease with her best friend who had passed away from the same disease.

“I thought my life would be over,” she said.

Jenniemae went as far as taking her two daughters to a photo studio after church one day with the intent of taking photos for her obituary.

“The lady at the photo studio heard me and told me, ‘Cancer is not a death sentence and you will live and not die.’ I broke down in tears and I prayed to the Lord to help me get through this,” she said.

It’s been 13 years since Jenniemae – also known as Jenny or Miss J – received the diagnosis. The employee of Bahamas Information Services (BIS) has proven that she is much stronger than she initially thought.

Unfortunately, life has its twists and turns and the Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera native is no stranger to them. One of her sisters on her father’s side was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.

“When I was done with treatment, she was right behind me doing hers. When I was in the hospital, she would’ve kept my two girls for me. I thank God for keeping us both and carrying us through that rough patch. We both are 13-year breast cancer survivors and we give God all the glory and honor,” she exclaimed.

Little did Jenniemae know that another battle was charging towards her. This time, it would hit home. It was November 2014 when her then 22-year-old daughter, Zitalia discovered a lump in her left breast. In early 2015, Ziggy – as she is affectionately called – learned that she too had breast cancer. It was a double whammy.

“My heart broke because she was so young; I mean she’s still young. My mother passed away February 14th, 2015 as well. That was two blows within the space of a month. I had to be strong for my daughter and my mother. I know she’s looking down on me and is very proud of me and my daughter,” said the mother of five.

These days, Jenniemae continues to be strong, living life to the fullest. Meanwhile, she is honoured both she and Zitaliaare honourees of this year’s Remilda Rose Designs’ fashion for a cause.