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Judi Johnson is my dear friend. We first met in 2003, when I attended the 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 2Judi Johnson and several nursing staff members at Tianjin Cancer Hospital discussing the "I Can Cope" program in 2012.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Photo 3Judi Johnson visiting the Hepatology Department at Tianjin Cancer Hospital in 2012.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Photo 4Prof. Winnie So, Judi Johnson, Prof. Myunsun Yi, and Prof. Yi's colleague at the AONS 2015 Conference in Seoul.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Photo 5Judi Johnson leading a group discussion following her presentation on the "I Can Cope" program at Tianjin Cancer Hospital in 2012.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) 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 Cancer Hospital, 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 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. 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 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 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 Asian Oncology Nursing Society. 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. 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 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. 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. No AI tools/services were used during the preparation of this work. The author declares no conflict of interest.
Qi Wang (Wed,) studied this question.