Man Up to Cancer – Virginia Co-Leader | Survivor | Advocate | Silence Breaker
A retired Virginia Beach public school teacher of 31 years, Kevin’s life changed dramatically in 2020 after a near-fatal biking accident led to facial reconstruction surgery, a diagnosis of chronic leukemia, and later, a rare eye cancer. What could have broken his spirit instead sharpened his mission.
Kevin chose action over isolation.
As co-leader of the Virginia chapter of Man Up to Cancer (MUTC), Kevin is dismantling the dangerous myth that men should fight cancer alone. When he stepped into leadership, the group had just eight members. Today, through fearless outreach and authentic connection, that community has grown to more than 50 men across the Commonwealth — men who now have a pack to run with.
Kevin Johnson isn’t just facing cancer —
he’s helping men crush it together.
Edmonson (far left), a colon cancer survivor, and Johnson (far right), a blood cancer survivor, smile proudly with their pack of wolves at the Sentara Brock Cancer Center.
Kevin was instrumental in helping launch the region’s first in-person MUTC support group at Sentara Brock Cancer Center, creating a powerful partnership between grassroots advocacy and institutional care. His work ensures men have access not only to treatment, but to brotherhood, mental health support, and hope.
He is also a champion for inclusivity. As a gay man, Kevin actively expands outreach within the LGBTQ+ community, building bridges that increase screenings, access, and affirming cancer support for all.
Kevin’s message aligns perfectly with the Crush Cancer movement: strength is not silence. Strength is showing up. Strength is building community. Strength is helping the next man step forward.
Because of Kevin Johnson, dozens of men in Virginia no longer walk their cancer journey alone — they walk it together, determined not just to survive, but to crush it.
