Christi Johnson becomes emotional when referencing why the American Cancer Society is so important.
Unfortunately, like too many people, Johnson’s life has been impacted by cancer. Thus, she receives a sense of fulfillment when leading the numerous activities of the Conway chapter of ACS.
“Cancer has affected me personally,” she said.
The aforementioned statement primarily details why Johnson is dedicated to making sure that the Conway chapter of ACS is thriving.
Johnson was recently at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock as part of a select group of Arkansans who were honored during the 2017 Community Service Awards. The CSA was sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Communications and Community Engagement (OCCE) and KARK Channel 4, in cooperation with McLarty Automotive Group, the Office of the Governor, and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism.
Due to her relentless efforts while leading the Conway ACS, Johnson has garnered a lot of attention from individuals throughout Central Arkansas. She knows that the dedication of ACS volunteers and having a surplus of funds for research, are major keys to eliminating a disease that has touched so many families.
“Christi is a committed advocate for the American Cancer Society,” said OCCE Volunteer Program Coordinator Kim Simpson. “She’s chair of the celebrity waiter event, yet she also goes into the Conway community and finds the time to collect contributions from several area businesses.”
Fundraising for the ACS is often Johnson’s primary volunteer focus.
“With the cancer society, it’s about raising money so we can hopefully provide a cure and provide services for cancer patients,” she says.
Johnson – who is the COO of Capital Investments of Conway, LLC, and Keller Johnson Construction – rarely receives an opportunity to relax. Her presence is typically in demand. But she remains afloat due to knowing this mission is about saving lives and preserving families.
“Sometimes I get worn down,” she admitted. “But when I see the rewards from an ACS event and the impact it makes, that helps. But I just have to pray. And God continues to give me the strength.
“We all pray for those that we are fighting for, that one day there will be a cure. It’s not easy but God has seen us through for several years now and I know he will continue to give us the strength to keep fighting.”
Johnson is grateful for the help and recognition she has received.
“It feels great knowing that I have such a wonderful support system – which includes my family especially,” she said. “If it wasn’t for my family and the committee, I don’t know if I could do what I do.”
