Traci Johnson has had a robust career in business, having owned The UPS Store and another small business, worked in human resources, marketing for the United Way of Cullman County, mentoring students at Wallace State and as the office manager for ERA Waldrop Real Estate.
On Dec. 23, 2021, Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Through the years, I had two fiber cysts removed, and was told I had fibrocystic changes, as well as extremely dense breasts. Breast cancer does not run in my family, so I was not too concerned; however, I was very diligent with my yearly mammograms,” she said. “In 2020, my mammogram required additional imaging, as well as a biopsy, with results that were non-cancerous. My 2021 mammogram was very similar to 2020’s. I thought, ‘Here we go again,’ and ‘Who has time for all of this? More images. More biopsies.’ NEVER in a million years did I think…CANCER! And two days before Christmas!”
Johnson said she told her husband and boss, but otherwise chose to keep it a secret.
“Luckily, I was already talking with a wonderful therapist – Sarah Linkous – at Yellow Brick Road Counseling, who helped me throughout the process. God definitely had a plan because I was already scheduled to meet with her that day,” she said. “I finally told one other person – my brother, because he would have to help my dad more often. After additional tests and the holiday season, we started to tell a few people. Well, guess what, word spreads like wildfire, especially in a small town! The one person who should have been first to hear unfortunately heard the news from someone else. Regret is an understatement!”
On Feb. 8, 2022, Johnson had a double mastectomy and TRAM reconstruction with Dr. Donald Marecle and Dr. Steve Seidel at Cullman Regional.
“I highly recommend them!” she said. “Why go to Birmingham! I had breast cancer Stage 1 and suspicious activity in the lymph nodes; they removed two lymph nodes. Surgery went well, but unfortunately, I had three blood clots in my lungs a couple of days later that required medication and oxygen full time for three months. I was very blessed – due to yearly mammograms – I did not need chemotherapy or radiation. My hormone receptor status and HER2 status were both positive with good indications.”
It was during this time Johnson started to reevaluate her life and blessings and how she could give back.
Checklist Concierge Service
“The business idea for Checklist was born during this time through my faith, love and passion to help others, as others have helped me. I strive to provide the best possible service with an open mind, heart and soul while providing true empathy for every situation. Sometimes it is just the little things on the ‘checklist,’” she said.
Checklist Concierge Service is a business, educational and personal concierge service designed to help others mark off the overwhelming list of items on their "checklist" at work and at home.
“God has blessed me through the years and given me a wealth of knowledge in a variety of areas,” Johnson said. “Sometimes it is the small business owner who does not have enough hours in the day to manage QuickBooks or social media. Other times it’s the business owners who need time to educate their employees on communication, diversity, ServSafe, sexual harassment or time management. Sometimes it is that individual who needs help at home or in their daily life.”
Johnson’s advice for other women who have or are facing breast cancer? “Celebrate every victory and be thankful for all your blessings!”
“The most rewarding jobs are those ‘checklist’ items that are weighing others down. Everyone has a time where the ‘checklist’ becomes overwhelming or completely unreachable. They feel as if they are drowning. I can literally see the weight being lifted off of their shoulders. The reward truly is a blessing.”