Walking in hope and honor: A daughter’s tribute to her tough 'Cookie'
Amanda Normandin to UMass Cancer Walk supporters: 'You are a light in the darkness that cancer casts upon this world'
Date Posted: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
“You are a light in the darkness that cancer casts upon this world,” said Amanda Normandin, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, to supporters of the UMass Cancer Walk. “Without your support, patients and families would lose hope. You make them feel worthy of life.”
That light shines brightly thanks to the generosity and fundraising efforts of thousands who—year after year—help advance cancer research at UMass Chan Medical School, research that gave Amanda’s family more time and hope.
Amanda’s mother, Charlemagne “Cookie” Johnson, who lived in Oxford, Massachusetts, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010. The news came as Amanda was celebrating her 30th birthday, with two young children at home, ages 2 and 5.
“It rocked our world,” she said. “It brought us all closer together. We became the true definition of a support system.”
Cookie’s large family—13 siblings, plus her parents—rallied around her. Amanda’s husband cared for their children so Amanda could take a leave from work to help care for her mom. Aunts and uncles traveled from across the country, cousins visited often and the family treasured the extra time together.
For 8 ½ years, Cookie fought cancer with strength and grace. She received care at the UMass Cancer Center from her “amazing” oncologist, Susan Zweizig, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and participated in numerous clinical trials at both UMass Chan Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“If my mom helped even one person by participating in these trials, then her shortened life was worth something,” Amanda said. “And I hope these trials will lead to a cure.”
This will be Amanda’s 22nd year participating in the UMass Cancer Walk, which she first joined in memory of her grandfather, Ronald K. Johnson, who died of liver cancer. Her favorite memory is from that very first walk with her mom.
“Cookie was just so happy to be there with all of us, walking in hope for her,” she said.
Amanda’s team, Hope & Honor, was created by her aunt Allison in 2004 to represent walking in hope for those battling cancer and in honor of those they’ve lost.