As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re proud to share a story that embodies the heart of ORC’s value of Social Responsibility – one of courage, compassion, and lasting legacy.

A Journey That Changed Everything

In 2021, ORC’s Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO), Carmen Johnson, was diagnosed with breast cancer, a moment that would alter not only her life, but her understanding of purpose, resilience, and the meaning of true prosperity.

Her journey began unexpectedly. After a clear mammogram in April, Carmen found a lump just four months later. By October, she was facing an aggressive diagnosis that led to a double mastectomy, radiation, and a series of reconstructive surgeries that would test every dimension of her strength – physical, emotional, and spiritual.

At the same time, Carmen was caring for her grandmother and grieving the loss of multiple family members, her mother, uncle, and grandmother, all within a short span.

“It was a season of loss but also one of awakening. Cancer stripped away my sense of control, but it also revealed just how much love, support, and faith I had in my life. I realized fulfillment isn’t about money, it’s about love, time, and grace.” – Carmen Johnson

From Survival to Service

While many might have turned inward after such hardship, Carmen looked outward. Her recovery became a platform for empathy and advocacy.

In 2023, she joined forces with Gillian Lichota and others to publish Rising Above: Our Transformational Journey to Wholeness After Breast Cancer, an anthology of real stories that explore healing, resilience, and purpose. Carmen personally sponsored the publishing costs to ensure proceeds supported the iRise Above Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young women under 40 facing breast cancer, women who often fall outside traditional support systems.

The book struck a chord, becoming an Amazon Bestseller in three categories, amplifying voices that too often go unheard.

“When cancer shows up early, it’s not just a medical crisis, it’s an identity crisis. iRise Above helps women rebuild emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We wanted the book to be both a mirror and a map, a proof that healing is possible.” – Carmen Johnson

Building Legacy Through Leadership

Carmen’s advocacy didn’t stop there. She now serves on the Board of Carolina Breast Friends, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that provides support, community, and resources to breast cancer survivors through its signature “Pink House.”

True to her forward-thinking spirit, Carmen is also collaborating with Tumbleweed, a technology startup that uses AI to help families navigate end-of-life planning and caregiver support – an issue close to her heart after caring for her grandmother during her own cancer treatment.

“We plan weddings, vacations, and retirements, but rarely do we plan for dying. Tumbleweed changes that. It’s empathy and organization rolled into one, helping families find peace in the hardest moments.” – Carmen Johnson

A Personal Truth, A Universal Message

Now in her third year post-diagnosis, Carmen continues pain management and integrative therapies like acupuncture, physical therapy, lymphatic massage, while balancing her responsibilities at ORC.

She remains candid about the ongoing nature of survivorship.

“We talk about 1 in 8 women getting breast cancer, but we don’t talk about the 1 in 3 who face recurrence. I live an incredible life, and I live with that truth. Both can be true, that’s not fear; that’s freedom.”

Her message is clear: healing isn’t a finish line, it’s a lifelong act of grace, resilience, and gratitude.

The Heart of ORC’s Social Responsibility

At ORC, Social Responsibility means more than community involvement, it’s about using our influence for impact. Carmen’s story exemplifies how compassion and purpose can ripple outward to change lives.

Through her advocacy, mentorship, and leadership, Carmen has inspired colleagues, friends, and countless others to see the beauty in resilience and the strength in giving back.

“Cancer taught me how to live richly, not through possessions, but through purpose. Legacy isn’t what you leave behind; it’s what you build while you’re still here.” – Carmen Johnson

A Legacy of Strength, Compassion, and Purpose

As we close out Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the courage of survivors like Carmen, and reaffirm our belief that compassion, advocacy, and purpose are at the heart of true leadership.

At ORC, we’re proud to stand beside Carmen as she continues to rise above, turning adversity into advocacy, and pain into purpose.

How to Get Involved

Support the mission that Carmen and ORC proudly stand behind:

We Rise Event

Carmen Johnson and friends at We Rise Event

My Breast Friend’s Wedding benefiting Go Jen Go

Carmen Johnson and friends at My Breast Friend’s Wedding benefiting Go Jen Go