Johnson guides the north Florida region of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to provide maximum impact for all impacted by blood cancers. They have several initiatives revolving around pediatric cancer, including their Children's Initiative and Pediatric Travel Fund Program, ensuring parents and their families can focus on what's most important: the fight against cancer. Through Johnson's work, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has been able to assist families going through this fight by supporting both financially and in doing research to one day eradicate blood cancers.
The grant tonight will enable the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to increase their commitment to research around pediatric blood cancers and the effects of treatment. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has committed over $20 million to this research over the next five years. Additionally, funds will be used toward pediatric local travel assistance, providing reimbursements for travel and lodging for families travelling long distances for treatment. This program helps alleviate some of the financial burden of getting their child the treatment they need.
Johnson became the 479th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10-million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through tonight's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $25.05 million to more than 600 unique nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2021, the Viniks announced that the community hero program will give away another $10 million over the next five seasons.
