On Tuesday, the City of Birmingham presented her with a proclamation for the work she’s been doing in the community to help breast cancer survivors. Then, Mayor Randall Woodfin personally congratulated her.
On Thursday, 10 years after being declared cancer-free, she finally got the chance to ring the bell like other cancer survivors.
And this morning, she led her annual breast cancer walk, the Eva B. Johnson Warrior Walk, in East Lake Park to help raise money for breast cancer research and to support area organizations that help women facing breast cancer. With 75 attendees, including some she didn’t even know, the walk had the biggest crowd she’s ever had in the five years she’s been hosting it.
“I just walked in from WalMart, and now I’m sitting in my recliner,” she said at 7:30 tonight. “I feel good. Tomorrow, I will go to church for ‘Worship in Pink Sunday.’ I’m wearing a pink dress, taupe shoes, a pink purse and pink cap with a ribbon on the back.”
Ms. Johnson was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in November 2014. And after undergoing chemotherapy, she was declared cancer free in April 2015.
But she never got to take part in the ceremonial ringing of the bell that many survivors experience at the end of their treatment. That changed on Thursday, Oct. 9 when she attended the SurviveHer at the Table Luncheon at Arlington House, where other women interviewed for an October series on their breast cancer journey and the foods that fed them along the way, gathered for a few hours of connection and comfort. Seven other women joined Ms. Johnson at the bell on the grounds of Arlington House, each getting their own chance pull a rope and signify their cancer-free status.
One woman said that such a simple act made her feel whole because she had seen so many other people get to do but she never did.
“Ringing that bell blew my mind because it felt so good,” said Ms. Johnson, 72. “The whole luncheon was great! Fantastic! But ringing that bell just did something to my heart.”
Currently, Ms. Johnson is on a medication to treat and prevent certain types of breast cancer. She said she’ll be on it for the rest of her life.
“My doctor said with God guiding him, and my faith, that I will be healed for 38 more years. And that was when I was 62,” she said. “They say I’m in remission, and I say, ‘No, I’m healed.’ ”
When Ms. Johnson got her taste back after chemotherapy, she loved returning to some of her favorite restaurants. She likes the roast beef, potatoes, carrots, pinto beans, butter beans, a salad and maybe a piece of fired chicken from Golden Corral. “I know the (fried chicken) wasn’t’ good for me, but it was good,’’ she said.
She also enjoys the ribs, collard greens and macaroni and cheese from Jim ‘N Nick’s. “Their ribs are tender, tasty, and I like the sauce,” she said. “Sometimes, I get the green salad with smoked chicken, cucumber, tomato, red onion, croutons and Ranch dressing. “
Here and there, she has little aches and pains. But she doesn’t let them keep her down.
“I’m not a person to give up,” she said. ”My desire is to reach out and help other people as much as I can and encourage other women and say, ‘Look, I’m OK. Everything is predestined. Nothing surprises God.’ ”
“One thing I ask God is, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’ My desire is to please him. That’s what keeps me going.”
***NOTE: In America, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will be profiling one female breast cancer survivor each day in October 2025. The stories will also highlight a food from a Birmingham, AL restaurant or food vendor they liked at some point during their breast cancer journey or today. The series is called “SurviveHer at the Table: Food. Faith. Fight.”
Each story posted this month is the opinion of the survivor, with a goal to increase awareness about early detection and treatment for breast cancer. Readers should consult with their physician for medical and health advice and a nutritionist for healthy eating tips. Links to area resources will be shared in future posts this month.
