On October 2, Dorothy Birl-Johnson, an alumna of Alabama State University and a dedicated staff member, graced the nationally recognized daytime talk show “The Jennifer Hudson Show” to shed light on breast cancer awareness. Birl-Johnson is the administrative assistant to ASU President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. She utilized the show’s platform to encourage women of all ages to implement potentially life-saving practices like daily self-examinations and seeking prompt medical attention upon noticing any irregularities.
Eboni’s Breast Cancer Story
Birl-Johnson’s passion for this cause is deeply personal. Her 26-year-old daughter, Eboni Faith Johnson (ASU class of 2020), bravely faced breast cancer. Eboni was diagnosed at the age of 23. Tragically, Eboni passed away from the disease on July 2. During her appearance on Hudson’s show, Birl-Johnson was joined by her daughter Angel Johnson Everett (ASU class of 2010) and her cousin Wanda Williams-Madison (ASU class of 1999), creating a family representation that speaks to their shared commitment to raising awareness.
“After hearing of my daughter Eboni’s struggle with breast cancer… the TV show felt that we represented so many other families who have been involved with fighting this dreaded disease,” Birl-Johnson explained. She recounted how the journey took them from Eboni’s diagnosis to various treatments, remission, and ultimately, loss. “Thanks to my daughter Angel, who wrote to Hudson’s staff after my late daughter Eboni encouraged her to do so in the final months of her life, so that we could tell her story and help others be vigilant about the issue of breast cancer,” she shared.
Eboni’s breast cancer journey went into remission in 2022, only for the cancer to return in 2023. Despite undergoing extensive therapies and treatments, she ultimately lost her fight. Angel is a breast cancer survivor herself, exemplifying the resilience and determination present in this family.
Throughout the segment, Birl-Johnson emphasized the essential message: early detection can save lives. Birl-Johnson hopes that sharing their family’s experience will inspire others to be proactive about their health, potentially preventing the heartbreak of losing loved ones to this disease.
The Eboni Faith Johnson Scholarship Fund
The Birl-Johnson family is committed to enhancing public awareness of breast cancer and regularly speaks at various gatherings. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reach a wider audience through their appearance on the show. “We are overjoyed that such a big star like Jennifer Hudson cares about breast cancer awareness,” Birl-Johnson said.
In memory of Eboni, her family established the Eboni Faith Johnson Scholarship Fund to support deserving undergraduate students. Individuals can contact the ASU Foundation for more information about the scholarship or to make a donation.
