Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Delta Gamma page 3 J an won the Cable Award at Tau Founder's Day in March—a very prestigious award for alumnae who have given years of service to the sorority. We're so proud of you, Jan! C hristy was originally drawn to Delta Gamma because of the chapter's commitment to excellence. "When I was recruited in 1975, I was amazed at how bright, poised, and friendly all the girls were," she says. "We had such a wonderful and diverse group of career-minded women who were smart and athletic to boot! After earning a bachelor's in physical education, she then went on to receive a master's in special education at Drake University. Christy's career goals evolved as her life after college took shape. "I had thought I wanted to be a dance teacher and own my own studio, but when I married, I realized we would need to move around for my husband's advancement in his career as a city manager. I decided I'd be better off becoming a teacher. I sort of fell into special education and loved it! It was a great choice, and I became a big advocate for children with learning disabilities." Her family did indeed move frequently—from Iowa to Ohio to Minnesota and back to Iowa— but her career choice provided a constant. She worked as a special education teacher for 40 years before retiring in June of 2019. Christy had been looking forward to a relaxing retirement. But life had other plans… "I was excited to learn to play pickleball, ride my new electric bicycle, learn to play mahjong, go out to lunch, travel ... all the fun things retired ladies do! But at my annual mammogram in October 2019, my doctors detected a spot and suspected breast cancer. After two more mammograms, an MRI, an ultrasound, and two biopsies, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma. A scheduled lumpectomy in November was changed to a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on December 23. Those three months and the recovery period afterward were very challenging. I think the testing and all the waiting was the hardest. From the very beginning, I decided to be very practical and positive. I truly felt that it was my turn to face this journey that so many other women experience, so I decided to become educated and seek advice. I focused on the positive. My cancer was caught early. And although I lost my breasts, I received reconstruction at the same time, so I only had to undergo one surgery. I did not have to have any chemotherapy or radiation, and I don't have to take any ongoing medication or ever have a mammogram again! (Although I'll still have regular examinations.)" I had so much support from my family and friends. And, wow, did my Delta Gamma sisters come through! Christy knew that she needed support in order to navigate her unexpected diagnosis. Luckily, she had the perfect resource in one of her Delta Gamma sisters. "Neala Ellingson '78, who had her breast cancer journey just a year prior, was one of the first friends I texted. She came right over the next day with hugs, reassurance, and pink gifts! It is truly wonderful, meaningful, and maybe even imperative to share the journey with someone who understands." The outpouring of love and support she received from her community was almost overwhelming. "All my Des Moines Delta Gamma friends brought food and visited during my recovery. So many sisters far and wide sent cards, flowers, and gifts." Christy now looks for ways to take the help she received and pay it forward. "I continue to feel thankful and blessed. Since my journey began, I have helped others dealing with breast cancer by listening and sharing my experience. Every person's cancer journey is their own; I'm happy to be able to give back and be there for others after receiving so much support myself." Christy continues to find joy in her supportive family. She and her husband, A.J., have been married for 43 years and share two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. She also stays busy volunteering at the local school and traveling to see her family in South Carolina but still makes time to stay involved with the Des Moines DG Alumnae Group and participates whenever she can. "My Delta Gamma friends are my forever friends. My pledge sisters and I are going on nearly 50 years of friendship! Delta Gamma really is for life." You can connect with Christy at aj.johnson@mediacombb.net. Christy's message to the larger Delta Gamma community? Early detection is key! "Please have scheduled mammograms and practice monthly self- examinations. It could save your life." D E L T A G A M M A I S F O R L I F E Christy Street Johnson's Journey through Cancer—and Beyond Christy Street Johnson '76 (third from left) with her Tau sisters. Congratulations, Jan Brodie Riley '76!

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