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All the qualities of a prosperous life can be applied to Tricia – she is successful, beautiful, strong, and articulate. She is a respected attorney in her community and a determined advocate for her clients. Prior to her career in law, Tricia was a cheerleader on the nationally acclaimed University of Washington Husky cheerleading squad and a member of the NBA Seattle Supersonics dance team. Dance has always been a part of her.
In 2002, while working as an attorney in Renton, Tricia was diagnosed with late-stage uterine sarcoma. Tricia diligently searched for the best medical team to handle her case and provide her with a fighting chance. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, she found a team with the same passion to fight that she herself had. With less than a 1 percent chance of survival, Tricia defied the odds by enduring surgery and a full year of heavy radiation and chemotherapy. We were all so relieved that day when the cancer went into remission.
Unfortunately, this disease had much more fight left in it. Sarcomas are tricky – they hide and almost always return. In July 2004, the cancer returned in the form of six inoperable metastatic tumors. This news was beyond frightening for Tricia and her family and incomprehensible…she was only 35! Tricia’s medical team immediately began aggressive, cutting-edge treatments. Doctors from across the country were consulted on the case. This included extreme, experimental procedures. Although the treatment plan was groundbreaking and aggressive, it did not kill the “one” monster. After many meetings, considerations, and prayers, her medical team performed a procedure that had never been contemplated or done before on this type of tumor. During the course of her battle, Tricia lost sight in one eye and became color blind. True to her great spirit and attitude, her reply to this… “It sure beats the alternative.”
In the fall of 2005, Tricia received incredible news that the tumors were no longer in existence and her cancer was once again in remission! That October, Tricia was hit by yet another setback. While working with her clients, she was exposed to MRSA, an antibiotic resistant super bug bacterium that grows clusters and multiplies very rapidly. This disease can devastate a healthy person, not to mention someone who has fought through challenges like Tricia. It attacked her sinus cavity and Tricia underwent major reconstructive surgery in late November 2005 and again in November 2006.
Today, Tricia is fighting the long-term damage cancer and its treatment can do to the body. She has undergone numerous procedures and surgeries to reverse some of these effects. It is an ongoing process. She continues to undergo extensive testing, and with each test, she anxiously awaits the results. Amazingly, she continues to keep that same positive attitude and spunky personality that have been her cornerstone throughout this ordeal. Most importantly, Tricia recently married the love of her life, Matthew Johnson. If it weren’t for cancer research and the power of love, Tricia and Matt would have never seen this day. Tricia and Matt are so excited and grateful, and they want this happiness for everyone!
Tricia knows that near death experiences seem to inspire people to live life to the fullest. She believes we should all spare ourselves this. Instead, learn from others and live! Give others the chance to live! This is what Dance for a Cure is all about and why it was founded by Elizabeth Lanning, Tricia’s sister and owner and director of Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions. Tricia is the inspiration behind Dance for a Cure, and asks that we all be an inspiration for those who have been and continue to be affected by this horrible disease. The uncomfortable truth is that we will all be affected by cancer in our lifetime. Let’s fight it while we still have our strength, health, and resources!
Life can be like lightening, a flash of brightness that is gone in an instant. Have a ball and share your beautiful gifts with others. “Empower” yourself and donate your time and money to this worthy cause. There is no more powerful gift than giving someone a new lease on life. Our hope is that Dance for a Cure will move and inspire you, reaching into the very core of who you are. Please make a difference today!