Speaking of great friends...some of my very good friends at LVJH, put together an amazing benefit for us. There was a great turn-out! We couldn't be more thankful for all the hard work that went into putting together such a successful event, and to everyone who came out to support us!
Lastly, Jerrid's school newspaper interviewed us a couple weeks ago, and put together a very nice article. Here it is:
NEWLYWED TEACHERS BATTLE UNEXPECTED
By: Lindsay Esparrago
Newlyweds often face many challenges as they move into their first house together and begin to raise a family. For PL South biology teacher Jerrid Johansen and his wife, Meighan, a battle against cancer was added to that list. The couple married last year on July9, and just over a month later, Mrs. Johansen was diagnosed with cervical caner. On August 12, the couple, and their 4-year-old son from Meighan's previous marriage, Brayden, began to take on cancer.
"This is not a situation most people thing
they will find themselves in after two months of marriage, so it was definitely
a shock to the system," Mr. Johansen explained. "Initially
there was a lot of astonishment, disbelief, anger, and sadness."
Both educators, Mrs. Johansen is the special education
department head at La Vista Junior High, while Mr. Johansen has been teaching
freshman biology at PL South for the last five years. Mr. Johansen is
also head coach for girls track and an assistant coach for boys cross country
and basketball. Maintaining their hectic schedules while also managing
cancer treatments was a challenge.
The PL South science
department, especially Kristin Delehant, Tim Johnson, and Megan Myers stepped
up to the plate by filling in for Mr. Johansen while he spent time supporting
his wife during her treatments. The
teachers used their plan periods to facilitate Mr. Johansen’s biology classes
so that he would not have to use vacation time.
Substitute teacher Kristi Rogers had also volunteered to fill in for him
numerous times as the last minute. “Without them I wouldn’t have made it through first semester,” Mr. Johansen said. “I’m also very appreciative for the cross country and basketball coaches. They were incredibly supportive and understanding of my situation and took on some responsibilities I was unable to fulfill.”
Mr. and Mrs. Johansen’s families also supported and helped the couple during that time. Mr. Johansen’s family was especially supportive because cancer was something they had fought before. Mr. Johansen lost his mother to cancer five years prior.
“We have been through the trials and tribulations before and it’s helpful to have people to talk to who know what you’re going through,” Mr. Johansen said.
The biggest challenge for the Johansen family was keeping things as normal as possible for Brayden, their 4-year-old son.
“He’s extremely active and energetic so keeping up with him and doing everything to keep his routine normal was definitely a challenge,” Mr. Johansen explained.
Mrs. Johansen’s good friends and co-worke, Samantha Deck lent a helping hang. Deck often picked Brayden up from day care, came over to play with him and brought food to the family when Mrs. Johansen was undergoing extensive treatment. At one point, after receiving five courses of chemotherapy and radiation five days a week, Mrs. Johansen was left unable to leave her bed for several days.
Before beginning six weeks of chemotherapy and radiations followed by implant radiation, Mrs. Johansen had surgery.
Despite Mrs. Johansen’s ordeal, the couple remained optimistic for the future.
“Everyone says your first year of marriage is your hardest, and if this is the hardest year we have to get through…it will be smooth sailing from here!” Mrs. Johansen said. “We learned early on to let the little things go, and that there is so much more to life than worrying or arguing over petty, little things.”
The motivation to stay positive came from the words of encouragement they said to each other. Mrs. Johansen said she frequently told her husband, “As bad as things are, they could be worse.”
Mr. Johansen felt the same way.
“You can’t let everything bog you down and drag your spirits down,” he explained. “If you start thinking that way, then you are letting cancer win the battle.”
The medical treatments proved to be effective, and the Johansen family had a reason to be thankful on Thanksgiving Day. Just a few days before the holiday, Mrs. Johansen received word from her doctor that the most recent tests had come back negative. She was officially cancer-free and in remission.
In the days since, Mrs. Johansen has continued to stay positive and optimistic, despite the possibility of her cancer returning. Mr. Johansen said his wife’s can-do attitude is what motivates him every day.
“She’s an extremely positive and strong-willed individual who made her mind up early that she wouldn’t let cancer beat her, and that made it easy for me to get up and teach in the mornings,” Mr. Johansen said.
Mrs. Johansen said Mr. Johansen returns the favor with faithful love and support.
“[Jerrid] was my biggest supporter and still is,” she said. “I truly believe things happen and people come into your life for a reason, and I couldn’t imagine going through all of this without [him] by my side.”
While the last nine months have been a roller-coaster ride for the new Johansen family, they said they are ready for some “normalcy.” The journey hasn’t been for noting, because in every struggle there is something to be learned. For the Johansens, that just might be a new appreciation for life.
“Instead of looking at the effects as a bad thing, look at them and think, “I’m luck…I’m alive!” Mrs. Johansen said.
Next update to come after my 5 month follow-up appointment on April 30th!
