Just one week after sharing an inspiring message of hope from her hospice bed, Connie Johnson was awarded a Medal of The Order of Australia by the Governor General, who “popped in” to visit Connie in hospice.
Continuing her fight against terminal cancer, 40-year-old Connie has continued to work toward what she calls ‘cancer vanquishment’ through her Love Your Sister charity.
Her services to the community and humanity have been recognised through the award, traditionally given to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service.
“Her eyes danced like when we were kids. She looked so alive,” said Sam Johnson, her loving brother, in a post on the Love Your Sister Facebook page.
“Afterwards, she looked at me sideways, coz she can’t move her head too well, and she kept saying, in her weak and raspy voice…’Can you believe it? Can you believe it? Look what we did. We did something!'”
The same Facebook post also gave us an update on Connie’s condition: “her time is nigh. Let’s prepare, villagers. It’ll be very soon. Our thanks to our new mate Pete Cosgrove, for making us all laugh in amongst all the pomp. And kudos to our new Lady Cottonsocks, for being exactly who she is.”
“This is an awful time, we won’t bullshit, but please believe that she feels SO cushioned by your love and has been finding so many rainbows.”
In a follow up comment, Sam explains that Connie was actually awarded her “very own Investiture (very rare).”
“I’ve typed it out exactly below,” he says.
“This pic above was taken after this was read while her gathered loved ones applauded. General Cosgrove insisted that it was official protocol to conclude the ceremony with a kiss, thereby reducing us all to laughter and removing all the pomp (the man in the uniform who read the investiture out was very fancy), at which point the General gave Connie a so sweet peckle on the forehead, before sitting down and yarning like an ordinary bloke.
“It was so special.
“Later, Gen PG told us it was his privilege to be there and we ALL genuinely believed him. Connie was completely charmed and we can’t wait to release the vid when we get permish from the Govt.”
Sam shared the moving speech read out to his sister:
“Your Excellency, to be awarded the Medal of Australia in the General Division, Mrs Connie Johnson, for service to people with breast cancer.
“Mrs Johnson is a person who is simply inspirational.”
“Her creation and leadership of the Love Your Sister Village has done much to encourage other Australian women to undergo regular screening and has also raised vital funds to support cancer research. She’s become one of this nation’s foremost advocates of the importance of early detection, and the need to find a cure.
“In the process she’s rallied many others to join with her to assist this endeavour. Through her drive and determination, and in the face of significant obstacles, she’s achieved in a few short years what most people could only hope to achieve in a lifetime. Mrs Johnson’s efforts for our community will endure. She is most deserving of our nation’s gratitude and admiration. She will never be forgotten.”
We couldn’t agree more and are sending our love and thoughts to Connie and her family at this time.
