Fighting Jejunal Cancer
''Our mission is to elevate awareness of jejunal cancer, deliver meaningful support to patients and their families, advocate for equitable access to resources and care, and generate sustainable funding to advance innovative research and improve outcomes for those affected by jejunal cancer"
Why This Fight Matters....
Jejunal cancer is a rare form of cancer that develops in the jejunum, the middle portion of the small intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. Although the small intestine makes up most of the digestive tract, cancers in this area are uncommon and often overlooked. Rarity should never mean invisibility.
Because jejunal cancer is so rare, it is frequently misdiagnosed or discovered at a later stage . The Lisa Johnson Jejunal Cancer Foundation is committed to changing that.
Symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, anemia, and unexplained weight loss can easily be mistaking for other conditions. Greater awareness, earlier detection, and increased research are essential to improving outcomes. By shining a light on jejunal cancer, we can help patients receive answers sooner, expand treatment possibilities, and bring hope to those affected by this rare disease.
Fighting Rare• Funding Hope • Saving Lives
Lisa Johnson's Story
Lisa Johnson’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and unwavering love for her family and community.
In August of 1995 Lisa was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease that causes the kidneys to deteriorate). After years of dialysis, in November of 2003, Lisa received a life-saving kidney transplant. It was a moment that gave her a second chance at life. For years afterward, she embraced that gift with gratitude, living her life with resilience and determination while overcoming the challenges that come with a transplant.
Nearly two decades later, Lisa began experiencing troubling health symptoms. For about 2 years, she struggled with ongoing stomach issues that were difficult to explain. Like many people facing rare diseases, the answers did not come quickly. Despite repeated symptoms and concerns, the cause remained unclear.
In September of 2022, Lisa finally received a diagnosis: jejunal cancer, a rare cancer of the small intestine. By the time it was discovered, the disease had already progressed to Stage 4.
Lisa faced the diagnosis with the same courage she had shown throughout her life. She began chemotherapy and endured six months of treatment with incredible strength. Her determination paid off when she achieved remission, bringing a period of hope and relief for her and the people who loved her.
Sadly, that remission was only temporary. The cancer returned, and once again Lisa fought with courage and grace. Even in the hardest moments, she continued to show strength, compassion, and love for those around her.
In February 2025, Lisa passed away as a result of her diagnosis.
Her journey revealed the heartbreaking reality of rare cancers like jejunal cancer—how difficult they can be to detect, how little awareness exists, and how urgently research and support are needed.
Today, the Lisa Johnson Jejunal Cancer Foundation exists to honor her legacy. Through awareness, research, and patient support, we are committed to ensuring that other families facing this disease receive answers sooner, better treatment options, and the hope that comes with a community that refuses to let this rare cancer remain unseen.