Incredible Woman #31 - Ginger Johnson. Friday's Questions...

KARA: "Some of your hobbies include gardening and working outside. Do you plant vegetables or flowers – which is your favorite? Do you can the food you grow?"

GINGER: "I love playing in the dirt. I have both a flower and vegetable garden and love being outside when the weather is nice. The flowers are my favorite because of the variety in my garden. There is always something in bloom and most of my plants are perennials so every year I know I can count on something beautiful popping up out of the ground. I love fresh flowers in the house too and enjoy waking up early to cut a fresh bouquet. Our vegetable garden is a work in progress. Unfortunately, I'm not the farmer my parents raised me to be. They had a HUGE garden that extended the full width of their property and we planted a garden every year. Or should I clarify and say mom and dad planted the garden and the kids weeded it. I guess those are the perks of having 8 children - instant farmhands. :) I'm grateful for the lessons they taught me now - at the time I hated it - but it is good to know how to grow your own food. I think you eat healthier when you have a garden. I know my family does."


KARA: "There are so many other things I’d like to ask, but 10 questions is the limit! For your last question, can you tell us your beauty secrets? What do you do to stay healthy and happy? If you had one day to yourself to do anything what would you do?"

GINGER: "I remember a few years ago after chemo was over and my skin was still ashy. I looked into the mirror and cried. I looked soooooo old! Luckily as I healed my skin rejuvenated itself, but the wrinkles still remained. I started using Avon's ANEW products and WOW! Talk about a difference! Their product really works.

Another product that I LOVE is a natural deodorant balm found at http://salubritasbody.com/. My friend Kellie Bartz from Park City, makes it and I think it's better than what I was using before. The other thing I love about it is that it's all organic. There are no harmful chemicals in it. That's important to me because who knows why I got cancer in the first place!?! If you want to order from Kellie, visit her website and she'll give you 20% off your order if you mention HappyChemo!

The last product I'd recommend getting is the antibacterial foam from Pure Works Inc. I just found out about this company last week and wished that I had known about their products during chemo! During chemo I was always using hand sanitizer in an effort to keep myself from getting sick - but then my hands would dry out and crack and hurt. The PureWorks antibacterial foam is a hand sanitizer that doesn't have alcohol, works for up to 4 hours and doesn't have any cancer causing chemicals in it either! I've been telling everyone about this product because of how great it is.
http://PureWorksInc.com - mention HappyChemo! when ordering for 40% off your order!

Last, If I had one day to myself to do anything I wanted it would go something like this...

Sleep In
Eat a big brunch
Get a pedicure and a massage
Read all the magazines that I get, but never have time to read
Enjoy some time outside with my kids
Take my husband out to dinner and a movie
Go to bed early"


Ginger, thanks SO MUCH for the interview this week. I am constantly amazed at the women I meet through this blog. Ginger is one of those. Her example is incredible. It is not an easy thing to do anything on your "good days", during chemo. At least for me it wasn't. So, I really admire her ability to continue with life while being beat up by the beast. I believe anyone who does service - no matter what that service might be - will receive the blessings of heaven showered down on them. If I've learned one thing from almost every woman I've interviewed in the last 8 months, it's that SERVICE is the key to being happy. I hope all of you can find time to have service be part of your life. It will be happier and richer than you can imagine.

Ginger's entire interview will be here on the blog through Sunday afternoon. We'll then be getting ready to bring you another Incredible Woman.

Take Care,

Incredible Woman #31 - Ginger Johnson. Thursday's Questions...

KARA: "Is friendship important to you? What do you do to stay a good friend to other people? How do you keep in touch with your friends?"

GINGER: "I think everyone needs a good friend. I am blessed to have several. My best friend is my husband, Travis and following close behind is a group of girls who have become like sisters me. I think in order to have good friends, you have to be a good friend. I know that sounds like something you're mother would tell you - but it really is true. You have to truly care about the other person and be willing to be there for them no matter what the situation. You have to love them unconditionally and be willing to forgive quickly. And you have to LOVE chocolate. OK. So that's not a prerequisite - but it doesn't hurt! :)

My group of friends tries to get together about every 6 weeks. We usually meet for dinner at my house and then stay up till midnight talking about things that are going on in our lives. Breast cancer, divorce, new babies, new businesses, church callings, family trips, funny stories - we've talked about them all. We do have a few rules, however. Husband bashing is not allowed -- Which works great for the 2 girls who are recently divorced because they no longer have husbands so they can vent all they want. It's great therapy and it's free. The other rule that just seems to always be followed is that the conversation must be helpful and end on an uplifting note. We've really never discussed actual 'rules' but it always seems like every time we're together we are edified and inspired to be better. We always leave each other empowered to conquer the next day and to face the next trial as an opportunity for growth. I am very blessed to be surrounded by such great people!"

KARA: "Tell us about your website, Happy Chemo. What is your goal with this company?"

GINGER: This is my FAVORITE part! HappyChemo! is a direct result of a choice I made when faced with a huge trial. And that one choice has made a HUGE difference in my life. Let me tell you about it.

My journey with cancer began on one of the scariest days of the year - Halloween. I remember it clearly. I was 31 years old, the mother of 2 and 5 months pregnant. Yah...Scary.

To say I was shocked would be a understatement. I was young, healthy, with no history of breast cancer in my family. I'm too young to have cancer...right?!! Obviously cancer doesn't care.

All my friends will tell you that I'm not one to sit around and be negative. It's not in my DNA. Besides, life's too short. Well, after a few doses of chemotherapy, I realized that in order to maintain some level of happiness in my life I was going to have to do something drastic. I had to figure out a way to make chemo less depressing. Not just for myself but for everyone in the infusion room.

After many sleepless nights and sincere prayer, I finally figured it out. BINGO! Quite literally...Bingo. I'd be the caller and the patients could play. Then I hand out prizes to the winners. Although my oncologist thought what I was trying to do was admirable, the thought of hearing BINGO! all day must have been too much for the poor man because he said 'No'.

Not to worry, I had a Plan B. I originally called it 'Do Good, Feel Better' because when you 'Do Good' for others, you're the one who will ultimately 'Feel Better'. It's true. I've tested it.

On my 'good' days I'd take my newborn and two older children and visit local companies to obtain freebies and discounts. Then before my treatments began, I'd hand out these items to patients as HappyChemo! presents. Awards for just being alive. For being a fighter. For taking their chemo medicine and for living one more day.

Through one of the hardest experiences of my life, HappyChemo! was born. A unique promotional marketing and distribution company that is 'Doing Good' for cancer patients to this day.

My goal is to expand HappyChemo! across the nation and provide some happiness for the thousands of cancer patients who have to take chemo to live. I know that with the participation and financial support of companies and individuals who believe in what I am trying to accomplish I will be able to achieve this goal.

You can visit my website at http://happychemo.com to learn more about my company and unique distribution method and I welcome anyone who is interested to email me directly for further information. My email is ginger(at)happychemo(dot)com."


Just want to say that I love the idea that Ginger had... trying to make chemo patients happier. Believe me, chemo is not an easy thing to take. It makes you sick, tired, and scared. I would have loved having someone there to cheer me up when I went through chemo. Thanks so much for your service, Ginger! Tomorrow will be the last day of Ginger's feature here on Incredible Women. Please join us for the last two questions/answers.

Incredible Woman #31 - Ginger Johnson. Wednesday's Questions...

KARA: "Can you tell us about your experience being an aid for a little girl with Cerebral Palsy? How did this change you?"

GINGER: "Oh, if only everyone could meet Brianna! I was so lucky to able to work with her this past year as her assistant in a preschool class in Clinton. She is a bright and vibrant 4 year old whose spirit truly touched mine. I feel that oftentimes children with disabilities are overlooked or mistreated because people don't know how to respond to them. It's so unfortunate because they have so much to offer. My younger brother is handicapped, so I was raised knowing that people with disabilities are not really any different than "normal" people are. They want to be loved, they want to be respected, they want to have friends and have fun. It's the same thing we all want out of life. The main difference is that some people with disabilities can't tell us that is what they want. Brianna falls into that category. Her speech is very limited until you learn to listen and start to understand what she is telling you. I know that if she could talk more clearly we'd all be amazed with the things she could share. You can see it in her eyes when she looks at you. Her mind is very alert and she is one smart cookie! It's just a matter of helping her communicate what she needs and taking the time to listen. I know that although she will face many trials in her life she will be able to overcome them all because of her inner strength and determination. She taught me something new everyday I was with her and I always left the classroom with a smile on my face because of her example.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I know that because of Christ's resurrection, one day we will all be resurrected and have perfected bodies. I honestly cannot wait until that day arrives and I can talk with Brianna and hear all the things she wants to tell me in perfect clarity. That will be a special day for me."


KARA: "What kinds of books do you like to read? Are you part of a Book Club? Suggest a few good books for our readers."

GINGER: "I love snuggling up with a good book when I have the time. Some of my favorite authors include Dan Brown, Jon Grisham and Stephenie Meyer. I'm currently reading Jesus The Christ by James Talmage and I'd recommend that to anyone who wants to learn more about the Savior. It's an incredible book that you read slowly so you are able to process all the information it contains."


Tomorrow, we'll talk to Ginger about the importance of friendship, and also about her website... HAPPY CHEMO. We'd love it if you returned.

Incredible Woman #31 - Ginger Johnson. Tuesday's Questions...

KARA: "Tell us about your fight with breast cancer. What have you learned from this experience?"

GINGER: "Breast cancer taught me a lot about myself. It provided an incredible opportunity for growth. And although I never want to experience it again, I am truly grateful for the lessons I learned and for the doors it has opened for me. Had I never gone through cancer, I would not be the same person I am now and I would not know all the incredible women who have come to mean so much to me."


KARA: "What is the “Young Survivor Sisters”? What is your role with this organization? What other Cancer organizations are you a part of?"

GINGER: "Young Survivor Sisters is a free, non-denominational breast cancer support group for women diagnosed in their 20's, 30's and 40's. Our motto: Young Survivor Sisters - Where support is guaranteed and Boobs are optional! What's so great about our group is that it is not structured as a business or entity of any kind. We are a simply a network of women who want to be there for each other and who want to provide strength and understanding for those who are diagnosed at such a young age. I had the great privilege of being the President of this group for about a year and was able to create a foundation for the incredible growth we are now experiencing. We are almost 100 members strong and about 60+ women have joined since this past year. I know there are several other young breast cancer survivors who don't know about our group - so if you are reading this blog post and know of someone who could use our support, please refer them to http://youngsurvivorsisters.blogspot.com.

Tomorrow, we'll continue our interview with Ginger. Please come back!

Incredible Woman #31 - Ginger Johnson. Monday's Questions...

I'm pleased this week, to introduce you to a fellow breast cancer survivor, who was 31 years old and 5 month pregnant when she was diagnosed. She has a special website that I encourage you to visit: Happy Chemo. She helps cancer patients going through chemo. (See her website button on the right sidebar). Her name is Ginger Johnson, and she is a wonderful woman. I hope you'll enjoy this week's interview...

KARA: "Describe yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?

GINGER: "I really have grown into my name considering that I was born blonde but now have red hair. Ginger just seems to fit. I am an optimist who looks for good in others and I try to accomplish 3 things each day: 1 physical, 1 spiritual and 1 service. I love to sing and dance and wish I could get my husband to learn ballroom! I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, camping and working in my flower beds. Picking weeds is therapeutic for me! I love spending time with my husband and 3 kids and enjoy the laughter and fun we have together.

What makes me an incredible woman?
My determination to reach out to every cancer patient in America. My desire and passion to brighten the lives of the thousands of cancer patients taking chemotherapy to survive. My choice to help others while I was enduring chemotherapy."


KARA: "Describe your family. What one word describes each member? What have you learned from each member of your family?

GINGER: "I have an incredible family. My husband Travis is very supportive. He teaches me everyday by his kindness to our children and the humor he provides. Everyday he makes me laugh and I love him for it.

Ben is Good. He tries to do what's right and set the example for others around him. He has a good heart and really cares about his family and friends.

Brinley is Giving. She is always giving her treats and toys to her brothers and wants to make them happy. She is an amazing girl and I'm excited to see her grow into a strong and caring woman.

Brooks is Easy Going. That's what his name means and he fits it perfectly. He is full of love and kindness and at only 3 years old has mastered 'please' and 'thank you'. He is a blessing to our family."


Just a reminder of how this blog works. Ginger will be interviewed for the whole week. We'll post 2 questions/answers each day, Monday-Friday. So, please return and read more about Ginger tomorrow.