The Power of Pink: A Battle, Triumph, & Call to Action
In 2024, it’s estimated among women in the U.S. there will be 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 42,250 breast cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society as referenced on the Susan G. Komen breast cancer statistics webpage.
Katy Johnson, an assistant project manager at Gray, is all too familiar with these statistics. She and her three friends, two of whom also are breast cancer survivors, know firsthand the struggle mentally, physically, and emotionally for those afflicted with breast cancer.
Faith & Fortitude
October 2022 marked the beginning of a challenging period for Johnson. She would undergo a double mastectomy, and in January 2023, she faced a life-saving emergency surgery and spent a week in the ICU. Just nine days later, she was laid off from her job of seven years in residential construction.
Out of the blue, Johnson received a message on LinkedIn from a recruiter at Gray. After speaking with a few Gray team members, she knew Gray was the place for her.
Johnson joined Gray in May 2023, and shortly thereafter, required another surgery and faced the devastating news that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.
“It was a roller coaster, but Gray supported every movement, every appointment, every step,” Johnson said. “My project managers and site managers have been super supportive. I’m extremely blessed to have this much support from the people I work with—they’re really like a family to me.”
A Call to Action
Johnson’s battle with cancer has given her a mission: to support others who are fighting the same battle.
Participating in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk in Dallas from November 1-3 is deeply personal to Johnson. She emphasizes the importance of fundraising to support breast cancer research, citing how medical advancements have saved her life.
In 2005, when her mother passed away from breast cancer, having a double mastectomy wasn’t even covered by insurance. Since then, there are new medications that exist, which has enabled Johnson and others to emerge victorious from their battle with breast cancer.
“Last year, Gray made a breast cancer awareness social media post—we all wore pink shirts and took a picture to show solidarity and support for those fighting breast cancer and breast cancer survivors,” she said. “Gray isn’t just a corporation—it truly feels like a family.”
Walking Together, Supporting Each Other
Johnson’s journey is a testament to her resilience and the power of a supportive community. Her story is a rallying cry for all team members at Gray to come together and support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk.
“I will forever sing Gray’s praises and will always recommend Gray to any of my friends or family looking for work anywhere in the country,” she said. “When you treat your team members well, you earn their loyalty.”
Johnson’s final message is one of hope and unity.
“I want people to know that they are not alone,” she said. “If my story inspires someone to believe that they can beat cancer, then it’s worth it.”
For more information on breast cancer, breast cancer research, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, visit the Susan G. Komen website.
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