STEPPING TOWARD A CURE
The quietness of the high school library was Lizanne Johnson’s familiar atmosphere, but her heart often drifted to a different kind of rhythm – the steady, rhythmic pounding of sneakers on pavement.
For nearly a decade, Lizanne had traded her quiet aisles of books for the winding roads of Pawcatuck and Mystic. Her journey with the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF) was a deeply personal mission inspired by Amy, her partner Dan’s daughter.
Watching Amy navigate her breast cancer diagnosis with profound empathy and grace had transformed Lizanne from an observer into a vivacious advocate, solidifying an emotional bond that would sustain her fundraising efforts for years to come.
Life, however, rarely moves in a straight line. When Dan’s health declined due to the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, Lizanne stepped naturally into the role of caregiver.
Rather than forcing her to step away, the Foundation’s pivot to virtual walks during the pandemic became her salvation. The beauty of the virtual format allowed Lizanne to log her miles over a few days, adapting the half-marathon distance to her own hectic schedule without neglecting her responsibilities at home.
Like a true librarian, Lizanne spent her walking minutes listening to audiobooks, no matter the pace of her walk, not a minute was wasted. Her training and event days became a peaceful space just for herself.
Her route took her past the beautiful views of Route 27, where she would occasionally meet Dan for a quick lunch date. Even though she usually walked by herself, she never felt lonely. She constantly received encouraging texts from her family. Amy checked in all the time too, making the long distance feel small with all their love and thanks.
What kept Lizanne incredibly loyal to TBBCF, was a rare and transparent promise: 100% of every dollar raised went directly to breast cancer research.
Year after year, Lizanne met her fundraising goals. It didn’t just feel like hitting a goal – it felt like throwing out a lifeline.
At the Foundation’s annual meetings, that impact came to life. Hearing young researchers talk excitedly about their new science project showed Lizanne exactly how the money was helping. She knew this research wasn’t just about the ideas behind science – it was actively providing more time for women like her cousin Cheryl, while offering real hope to countless others. For Lizanne, every mile walked wasn’t just a distance covered; it was a powerful voyage of survival, a tribute to those lost, and a purposeful step toward a cure.