Fr. Philip Johnson is a Suicide Prevention and Awareness Advocate whose incredible story of overcoming a terminal illness was only just the beginning. Now, Johnson strives to highlight the importance of advocating against medically-assisted suicide.
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Advocate
When Fr. Philip Johnson was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a terminal illness, many assumed that it was the ‘end of the road.’ But as a born fighter who once worked as a Gunnery and Fire Control Officer and made his way through the United States Naval Academy: Johnson wasn’t ready to give up. At the time, he came across numerous offers for medically-assisted suicide; or the option to end one’s life with the assistance of a physician, to lessen the time spent suffering from a terminal illness. Offers for this option were plentiful… but to Johnson, something didn’t feel quite right. The Naval Academy graduate who had received countless Naval Achievement and Accolades wasn’t ready to give up… And thank goodness he did not, because Johnson’s incredible story has only just started!
Anaplastic Astrocytoma: An Incredible Story
Fr. Philip Johnson survived a terminal diagnosis of Anaplastic Astrocytoma. But he could have thrown in the towel and stopped fighting, by embracing the recently publicized path of physician-assisted suicide. Instead, Johnson chose to write his own incredible story. And he’s here today because of that decision. Combined with his research and own firsthand experience, Johnson has become a firm advocate in the opposite direction of physician-assisted suicide. In fact, he’s staunchly against the notion. As a Suicide Prevention and Awareness Advocate, he champions the the importance of choosing your own incredible story. It’s yours to write, live and experience! The Advocate is also passionate about encouraging others to notice the signs, to help raise awareness and offer support to individuals battling physical and mental illnesses.
Research Assistant at Hofstra University
Fr. Philip Johnson is a Research Assistant at Hofstra University. In this role, the Academic Researcher collaborates with fellow researchers as a Translator. Drawing on decades of experience in Foreign Language Studies, Johnson provides translation of academic research and documents. He primarily translates historically relevant documents from French to English. The breadth of Johnson’s experience in Foreign Language Studies includes knowledge of the German, Italian and French languages.
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