Ritchie Johnson, RMC Advocate, Featured in Bold Journey Magazine
Ritchie Johnson, MBA, BSN, RN, founder and president of the Chris ‘CJ’ Johnson Foundation (CJF) and member of the KCA’s Patient & Caregiver Advisory Council, was recently featured in Bold Journey magazine. CJF, a KCA Affiliate Partner, supports patients and families impacted by renal medullary carcinoma, a rare and aggressive type of kidney cancer often affecting adolescent and young adult men of African descent, and advocating for research efforts that lead to more treatment options.
Ritchie spoke about her motivation to be a leader in the RMC community following the death of her son Chris from RMC, and how she channeled her passion into advocacy that has driven the early RMC clinical trials, drawn attention to policy issues surrounding cancer, and changed the course of RMC outcomes for countless families. Her compassion is on full display in this conversation.
Read an excerpt of Ritchie’s interview with Bold Journey below and visit their website for the full article.
Excerpt from Bold Journey, published December 22, 2025: “Ritchie Johnson of Sugar Land, Texas on Life, Lessons & Legacy”
Hi Ritchie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me begins early in the morning, diving straight into my mission. I spend time researching renal medullary carcinoma, staying up to date so I can better support the RMC community. My inbox is always full, and I make it a priority to answer emails from patients, families, and partners who need information, guidance, or simply someone to listen. Much of my day is also dedicated to marketing and managing the Chris CJ Johnson Foundation, ensuring that our message reaches as many people as possible and that families facing RMC know they are not alone.
Alongside my advocacy work, I’m also adjusting to a new chapter in my personal life. After the recent passing of my mother and step-father, I have welcomed a dog into my home. He has become a comforting presence and a reminder to pause, breathe, and find moments of companionship amid the busyness and heartbreak of this work.
Every day is full, emotional, and purposeful—but I wouldn’t trade this calling for anything.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ritchie Johnson, and I am the founder and president of the Chris ‘CJ’ Johnson Foundation. My son, Chris, passed away in September 2012 from Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC) just two months before his 40th birthday. At that time, this cancer was virtually unknown — there were no clinical trials, no advocacy, very little research, and absolutely no community for families like mine.
I could have drowned in my grief, but instead I chose to turn that pain into purpose. I created the foundation so that no other family would have to walk this journey alone. What makes our organization unique is that it was built out of lived experience, compassion, and an unwavering determination to change the landscape of RMC forever.
Today, because of the collective efforts of our RMC community, we have four clinical trials, a growing international network of patients, caregivers, and researchers, the only dedicated RMC support group, and a grief support group for families who have lost loved ones. We are raising awareness, funding research, educating the public, and supporting families every step of the way.
Everything I do is rooted in love — for my son, for the RMC warriors still fighting, and for the families who, like mine, have carried a heavy loss. My work is not just my mission; it is my calling.