This article was originally published prior to June 2, 2013. Due to a change in the content management systems, the initial publication date in not available. 

Baker University alumna Jennifer Johnson is proof that breast cancer doesn’t practice age discrimination. She will share the story of her struggle with breast cancer at a young age with Baker students 7:30 p.m. Monday in Rice Auditorium.

Johnson is a co-author of the book “Nordies at Noon,” which tells the story of three women including her, who were each diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 30.

“There were four of us who started meeting every week at Nordstrom’s to talk about what we had been going through. We wrote the book because we felt there is not enough out there about young women and breast cancer,” Johnson said.

While the book is informative, it also offers more than just facts.

“The book is really about friendship and overcoming obstacles,” Johnson said.

Johnson will come to campus offering the knowledge she has gained from her experience.

“I just want to let students see that breast cancer does happen to young women. It’s not just your mom or your grandma,” Johnson said.

Sophomore Tracy Light attended a seminar last spring to hear Johnson speak and said students should take the time to listen to her story. Light said Johnson aimed her lecture toward the younger crowd that doesn’t tend to worry about breast cancer.

“I think everybody should go listen, not even just females, but males, too, because it is something that affects our world. It is an important subject that isn’t talked about enough, and it’s important for people to be aware of what is happening,” Light said.

Professor of Biology Darcy Russell said students will gain more than just facts by listening to Johnson.

“I think we all need heroes in our lives because they help us become the people we can be,” Russell said. “A lot of times we look to people we don’t know like movie stars and sports stars. Jennifer is a real hero. Hearing her story we get inspired. When we are around people like her, we have courage to face our own problems with the same resilience.

The event is open for anyone to attend and a specific dress code is encouraged.

“I’m hoping everybody will wear pink to show their support, even the boys – tough guys can wear pink, too,” Russell said.