Sharon Johnson Email Address

Director of Mission and Grants and Walk Coordinator

About the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like Komen Race for the Cure to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Through fiscal year 2005, the Komen Foundation, together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, has invested $630 million in breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.

Sharon Johnson, Executive Director of the Central Valley Affiliate of Susan G. Komen® was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 and underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in 2000. She participated in her first Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure in 2001 and it was there where she met a young woman battling metastatic breast cancer who would inspire her to become a breast cancer advocate. Sharon began volunteering for the Central Valley Affiliate and was later appointed to the Board of Directors as Education Chair. Leaving a 25 year career as a Orthopaedic Technologist, she embarked on a full-time career of breast cancer activism and advocacy as the first hire and Executive Director for the Komen Central Valley Affiliate in 2006. A familiar face and voice to local TV, radio and breast cancer education seminars, Sharon often speaks about how her own breast cancer experience relates to the importance of early detection as the key to survival. In 2008, she was honored by her colleagues and New Balance Athletic Shoes when she was named to ‘Honorary Team New Balance’ for her willingness to share her story to promote breast cancer awareness. In 2009, she was selected by the Energizer Company in the nation-wide “Power to Keep Going®” Award for her commitment to the breast cancer cause. Energizer donated $10,000 to the Central Valley Affiliate in her honor. Sharon was again diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2010. She underwent a double mastectomy in February 2011. She serves the Fresno County community in advocacy that emphasizes early detection and the importance of access to breast cancer screening. She believes that advocacy is an invaluable vehicle for breast cancer education and closing the gap to eliminate disparities. She explains, “It is the strength and courage of those who have battled breast cancer that fuel my passion for this cause. My promise is to be their voice.”