Tribute to Dr. Sarah Anne Johnson

The Canadian retinoblastoma community is mourning the loss of Dr. Sarah Anne Johnson, who passed away on January 28, 2021.

Diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma as an infant, Sarah was treated at The Hospital for Sick Children. After earning a PhD in neuroscience, she pursued post-doctoral studies at the University of Florida. In 2020, she obtained an academic position as Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago. Sarah was an active member of the Canadian retinoblastoma community. She was an Expert Reviewer on the National Retinoblastoma Guidelines, published in 2009. Sarah was also a dedicated member of CRRAB, inspiring the group with her brilliant mind, open heart and unrelenting positivity. She was a leader in the effort to identify the Top 10 Retinoblastoma Research Priorities in Canada, and co-authored the publication that shared these results with the scientific community. In particular, she was an avid champion of Priority # 4: What is the optimal follow-up for heritable retinoblastoma patients and survivors and how can we ensure this is provided to all?

At the One Retinoblastoma World Conference in October 2020, Sarah highlighted her lived experience with retinoblastoma with a moving talk during the Retinoblastoma and Vision session:

Sarah Looks Forward, The Dr. Sarah Anne Johnson Memorial Fund

The “Sarah Looks Forward” fund will carry Sarah’s determination and optimism to support long-term follow-up care and information for adults with retinoblastoma, to achieve early detection of second cancers. Sarah always sought new experiences, better explanations and new ways of doing things. Inspired by Sarah’s outlook on life, the fund will support novel research and action towards a better future for retinoblastoma survivors.

Contributions to “Sarah Looks Forward” can be made as follows:

In Canada through the International Retinoblastoma Consortium, apply your donation to “Sarah Looks Forward, the Dr. Sarah Anne Johnson Memorial Fund”.

In the USA through World Eye Cancer Hope, select “Add a dedication” and indicate “Sarah Looks Forward”.