Rebecca Johnston
My name is Rebecca Johnston and I am currently a Senior at Whitman College majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. I really hope to apply for medical school one day, but for now I am the Vice President of the Pre-Health Society, a Red Cross blood drive organizer, and the Director of Scholarship for the Delta Gamma sorority at my school. I grew up in Hood River, OR where I spent my childhood hiking, mountain biking, stand-up-paddling, wakeboarding, kayaking, snowboarding, and swimming.
I had been playing volleyball for about 9 years when I was recruited to play at the Division III level for Whitman College in 2017, however when I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma just a few weeks into my freshman year, I had to take a leave of absence for chemotherapy and a limb-salvage surgery. The limb-salvage surgery prevented me from playing standing volleyball again, however I am still an assistant for the Whitman Volleyball team and I am currently training with the USA Sitting Volleyball National Team Development Program.
I began my training with USAV in 2019 while still grappling with chronic knee pain and stiffness from my limb-salvage surgery, however in May 2020 I followed through with my decision to amputate above the knee for a chance at enhanced comfort, mobility, and the ability to participate in my favorite outdoor sports again. I cannot wait to continue immersing myself into the world of adaptive sports with the help of modern prosthetic technology.
Sports
- Snowboarding,
- Sit Volleyball,
- Rock Climbing/Adaptive Rock Climbing
City
- Hood River
