Breast Cancer Awareness Month is customarily celebrated in October each year, with dozens of health charities and organizations raising awareness through campaigns and fundraisers.

But as October draws to a close, one local breast cancer survivor in Richmond Hill wants to provide support for survivors year-round.

Rev. Johnnie Quiller was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer back in October 2019 and has since recovered after going through a lumpectomy and 20 rounds of radiation starting in early 2020.

But her experiences going through recovery have led her to start Lotus of Love Cancer Care Inc., a non-profit organization that is dedicated to “providing care, support, and hope” to those affected by cancer.

“I witnessed…so many other people in worse conditions than me,” said Quiller, who says that she was “blessed” with the support of family and friends throughout her recovery journey.

“I don’t know what I would have done without God and my family.”

Giving back to others comes naturally to Quiller, who serves as a pastor alongside her husband at Restoration Worship Center in Richmond Hill. She is also the current president of Nu Rho Omega, a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historic African- American sorority. Last year, Quiller came up with Lotus of Love while studying for her doctorate in ministry and searching for a thesis project, ultimately deciding upon a dissertation related to how churches can help provide emotional and spiritual care to cancer survivors.

Quiller says that the namesake “Lotus” was chosen for the non-profit to represent the resilience and strength of cancer survivors.

“I chose the Lotus flower because it can grow and survive in some of the harshest conditions, and that’s what I’m saying about [cancer survivors],” explained Quiller.

“We come through so much, go through so much, some of the harshest conditions, but yet we can come out with a smile on our face, and endure.”

With the help of volunteers, Lotus of Love aims to provide support for cancer survivors and their families through services like grief counseling, financial assistance, grocery delivery, and respite care for caregivers.

In addition, Quiller says that she is starting up a faithbased cancer support group in Richmond Hill starting in January 2025, with the help of Donna Thompson, a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Midway.

“Everyone needs hope,” says Quiller. “But a lot of cancer survivors are isolated, they are alone.”

Quiller then points out the initials of Lotus of Love–LOL– and says that she wants survivors to find joy and laughter in their lives again.

“My goal is to not only bring hope, but laughter, too.”

To learn more about Lotus of Love Cancer Care, Inc., visit their Facebook page.