Eisenhower Senior Jonathan Johnson Perseveres Despite Serious Illness

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Sept. 11, 2020, was anything but an ordinary day for Jonathan Johnson and his family.

Eisenhower High School senior Jonathan Johnson poses with Eisenhower Principal Mandele Davis in his cap and gown. On Sept. 11, 202, Jonathan was diagnosed with a brain tumor and spent two months in the hospital. He is on his way to recovery, and despite dealing with cancer, he still finished 8th in his class of more than 500 seniors and will graduate on Friday, May 28, at Thorne Stadium.

After complaining of headaches and not feeling like himself for some time, the 6-foot-7 Eisenhower High School senior and basketball player knew something was wrong.

And so did his mother, Samantha Anderson.

Jonathan went to his doctor, who performed an MRI, which discovered that Jonathan had a brain tumor. He was immediately admitted to Texas Children’s Hospital, where he would undergo two craniotomies.

The procedure left him unable to use his body for two weeks, but he was determined to get back to as normal of a life as possible. After a two-month stay in the hospital, Jonathan returned home and underwent therapy three times a week.

He has had to re-learn how to walk and has some issues with the left side of his body, but he receives physical therapy three times a week and is progressing nicely.

He also kept up with his schoolwork, and on May 28, Jonathan will graduate with his classmates at 10 a.m. at Thorne Stadium.

Oh, and by the way, he is ranked 8^th in a class of more than 500 seniors! He is also an IB student.

Eisenhower High School Principal Mandele Davis calls Jonathan “our walking miracle.” And she’s so right!

Jonathan did not let his illness deter him from his goal of graduating and attending college. He was accepted to six major universities, with the University of Texas being his No. 1 choice. Still, because he will need to continue therapy, he has decided to remain close to home and attend the University of Houston.

His mother is his No. 1 fan and supporter, and she can’t contain the pride she has for her son and how he faced a difficult situation with grace and bravery.

“I am beyond proud of everything he has endured and overcome,” the proud mother said. “He has always been a little warrior. When we heard the news of his tumor, he started comforting me instead of the other way around. He will always be my HERO.”

Jonathan, a likable and articulate young man, said he would not let a little setback keep him from reaching his goals.

“What kept me motivated were my dreams of being successful and being able to support my family.” (Jonathan has a younger sister, Saydee, who also attends Eisenhower High School).

Sure, he was disappointed that he had to give up his senior on the Eagles varsity squad, but he said he would continue to enjoy the game.

“Basketball to me was an outlet to express myself and to relieve stress, even if it was just watching it,” Jonathan said. “I love the game and enjoy studying it. Maybe in the future, I will coach it or play it recreationally.”

While there were some low moments for Jonathan and Samantha, they both agreed on the high moment since he was first diagnosed with the brain tumor.

“The highest moment for me was when he took his first steps with the assistance of a walking stick, and he turned around and gave me his big smile,” Samantha said. “It was then I knew that God gives his hardest battles to his toughest soldiers, and my son is one of them.”

Jonathan agreed with his mother.

“The highest moment was when I was able to take my first steps with the help of a walking stick.”

Samantha and Jonathan are also thankful to the Eisenhower family that has reached out since day one to support the family.

“The entire Eisenhower family has been beyond gracious to us,” Samantha said. “Principal (Mandele) Davis constantly called us and emailed us to check on him. Once we got out of the hospital, they have been very attentive to him. One day (Eisenhower head basketball coach) coach James Johnson brought the whole varsity team over and brought him his #33 jersey framed, and it hangs in our living room now.

“His teachers printed out his textbooks to help him from staring at the screen too long. Mr. Samadhi-Smith offered to tutor him if he needed the extra help. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.”

This experience has also got Jonathan thinking about his future. He’s always wanted to be a lawyer and is planning on majoring in History and Pre-Law, but he’s also giving serious consideration to another career path.

“Lately, I’ve had another vision floating in my mind,” he said. “I might plan on pursuing a Nursing degree and possibly looking into becoming a Pediatric Oncologist.”

Samantha said Jonathan lives by this motto: “One day at a time,” she said. “And he truly lives it.”

After all he and his family have been through, do not be surprised if Jonathan Johnson reaches his goals and makes his family and his Eisenhower family extremely proud. He is definitely one tough and focused young man.