John Conner Honors Wife, Daughter by Supporting Caregivers

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on this pervasive disease. While we focus on awareness, prevention, and honoring survivors, it’s crucial to remember the often-unsung heroes: the caregivers. John Conner is one man who understands this deeply, having navigated the devastating journey of breast cancer alongside his wife and daughter. Now, he’s channeling his grief into action, championing support for caregivers through the nonprofit he co-founded, Praise Is The Cure.

A Mission Born from Personal Loss

The story of Praise Is The Cure began in 2005, a collaborative effort between John, his wife Anita, and their daughter Kerri. Their mission was clear: to provide education within the Black community about breast cancer, promote early detection, and connect individuals with vital resources. This initiative stemmed from Anita’s own experience after her 1997 diagnosis.

Anita discovered a critical disparity: while Black women were diagnosed with breast cancer at lower rates than other groups, their mortality rates were significantly higher. This realization fueled their passion to create Praise Is The Cure, aiming to bridge the gap in education and access to treatment for Black women. John became an integral part of this mission, supporting Anita and Kerri every step of the way.

The Women Behind the Mission

Before Praise Is The Cure grew into a movement with nearly 45,000 members, it was the shared dream of John’s wife and daughter. Both Anita and Kerri faced advanced breast cancer diagnoses with incredible determination. John shared that his relationship with Anita began in ninth grade, blossoming from friendship into a lifelong romance.

Despite facing early challenges, like becoming pregnant with Kerri while still in high school, Anita achieved remarkable success. She graduated with honors from Drexel University, worked at Price Waterhouse, and eventually built her own million-dollar accounting firm, becoming a top financial advisor in Philadelphia. Kerri followed in her mother’s footsteps, graduating from Howard University and becoming a partner in the family business.

A Family’s Heartbreaking Battle

The family’s world was turned upside down in 1997 when Anita was diagnosed with breast cancer. John admits they knew little about the disease at the time. Anita underwent stem-cell treatment and achieved remission for an impressive 21 years before her cancer returned as metastatic. Tragically, Kerri was diagnosed just a decade later.

John found himself navigating the immense emotional toll of supporting two of the most important women in his life simultaneously. He describes periods of loneliness and guilt, feeling helpless despite his efforts. The pain intensified when Kerri passed away in 2022, leaving John with overwhelming grief. In response, he expanded the nonprofit’s focus to include mental health support for male caregivers, recognizing the importance of self-care in the midst of caring for others.

Just this past August, Anita also succumbed to the disease. These profound losses have been devastating, but John is determined not to let grief define him. Instead, he is honoring Anita and Kerri’s legacy by carrying forward the work they passionately started.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

This year marked the 20th anniversary of Praise Is The Cure’s annual “Hope, Health, and Healing” event. Despite losing his wife only two months prior, John insisted the event proceed. It featured a survivor’s pamper party, a concert, mobile mammography screenings, and a crucial men’s health forum. John’s dedication shines through as he emphasizes the need for men to prioritize both their physical and mental health, encouraging them to seek help without viewing it as a sign of weakness.

When asked about his motivation, John tearfully shared Anita’s parting words: “Be strong and have courage.” He is committed to upholding that mission for the rest of his life. “We’re losing our Black women,” he stated, his voice thick with emotion. “I lost two women that I love more than anything in this world. Every day that I wake up, I think about them, and I’m going to think about what I can do to keep Praise Is The Cure alive.” He hopes to reach other men experiencing similar struggles.