'They’ve helped me financially when I wasn’t able to pay'
Debra Johnson-Craig received her first breast cancer diagnosis in 2017. To avoid the risk of spread, she went through chemo and radiation at Salem Health Breast Care Center.
“I was very sick for seven months,” Johnson-Craig said. “It was really tough.”
In 2023, Johnson-Craig was diagnosed with breast cancer again.
A second diagnosis
“Luckily, this time it wasn’t invasive. I didn’t have to have chemo, but I did have to have radiation,” she said.
The return of breast cancer came at a time when Johnson-Craig was facing multiple health concerns, including diabetes and multiple strokes.
“I’ve been through a lot, but Salem Health Breast Care Center is wonderful,” she said.
Multiple lumpectomies
During her two journeys with breast cancer, Johnson-Craig underwent two lumpectomies — one in 2017 and another in 2024. Both times she worked with Dr. Eric Laro.
“I trust him so much,” Johnson-Craig said. “I always look forward to him seeing me. I feel relief after I see him.”
Now Johnson-Craig is in remission, and voicing gratitude for how her Salem Health Breast Care Center care team worked alongside her every step of the way.
Support when she needed it most
Johnson-Craig said she wasn’t working while going through treatment, and her insurance didn’t cover everything. The patient said Salem Health created a payment plan to help manage costs.
“They’ve helped me financially when I wasn’t able to pay things, I even received a gift card at one point that helped me. They helped me pay my bills,” she said.
Johnson-Craig said that gift card through the Salem Health cancer support group helped cover the cost of gas to get to treatment.
Optimism and connection
Now retired, after spending 20 years as a caregiver and managing group homes, Johnson-Craig helps take care of her mom, who lives next door.
Despite ongoing hurdles with her health, Johnson-Craig said her optimism helps her move forward.
“I had a positive attitude on everything, I think that helps,” she said. “I have family, friends. I had the cancer support group checking on me. I’ve just been surrounded by everything I need.”
Johnson-Craig said she visits with friends through a monthly bunco group. She also tries to go out with her husband and visit grandkids when possible.
“I’m very happy, very satisfied,” she said. “Very grateful.”