My name is David Johnson.  I was honored to be selected as an American Cancer Society (ACS) Voice of Hope in March 2022.  Like many, my call to action was when a loved one was diagnosed with cancer.  My mother was diagnosed with smoking-induced lung cancer in August 2003.  Even with treatment, the cancer spread quickly, taking my mother on July 10, 2004.  As devastating as this loss was, I vowed then to fight all types of cancer.

In 2005, I began my fight by joining the Relay for Life of Houston County, Georgia. Since then, I’ve had the honor of being involved in Relays in Florida, Georgia and Nevada. I have volunteered as a participant, team captain, Event Leadership Team member, and Event Lead.  It has been an honor and a privilege to work with so many dedicated and passionate volunteers throughout my Relay experiences.

I am a retired USAF Master Sergeant currently working for the Department of the Air Force in cybersecurity.  I moved around during AF service and now call the Florida panhandle home.  I have a wonderful wife of 30 years and two grown children (Emilie and Mason). I am an avid poker player who also enjoys bowling, card/board/video games, and collecting sports cards and comics.  I am an animal lover who attempts to care for more than my fair share of wild animals!

I have always worked to motivate others.  I want my story to both touch their hearts and drive them to action.  Cancer does not care who you are, where you are from, or if you are rich or poor – it affects all of us!  I volunteer as a Voice of Hope to get people involved … NOW!  Not to be like me and wait until cancer has personally affected their life before joining the fight.