My Music is My Therapy
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
By: Selena Johnson

It is my intent to inspire and uplift others through my music.

My name is Selena Johnson and I am 35 years old.  I was diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma on July 24, 2003.  I was diagnosed three years after my mother, Debra Johnson, passed away from Systemic Scleroderma on November 14, 2000.  My mother had a very aggressive form of Scleroderma and passed away from it in 3 years of her diagnosis.  I was her caretaker and it was devastating and traumatic to watch her suffer from this debilitating illness.  It was even more traumatizing when I was diagnosed 3 years after her death.  My journey with Scleroderma has not been easy.  However, I remain positive.  I continue to demonstrate a strong will to live and manifest victory in accomplishing my endeavors.  I am a children’s social worker holding a BA in Psychology and  Masters Degree in Social Work.  I am also very creative, as I am a singer/song writer.  My music is my therapy and helps me through this illness.  It is my intent to inspire and uplift others through my music.  Music runs in my family…I am the daughter of George Johnson of the 1970’s grammy award winning funk duo “The Brothers Johnson.” 

In February of 2013, I suffered from a hemorraghic stroke as a result of pulmonary hypertension and atrial fibulation.  By the grace of a higher power, I have survived without any brain damage.  I recently found out that I am pregnant with my first child.  I remain positive and look forward to this journey and how my body reacts to the production of relaxin in my system.  

I have recently become more involved with the Scleroderma Foundation, as I recently attended Bob Saget’s “Cool Comedy and Cuisine” fundraiser at the House of Blues in the Mandalay Bay hotel Las Vegas on June 5.  I had the opportunity to meet Bob Saget, Bill Bellemy, Seville Kellner and Charles Spaulding.  I am also participating in a Scleroderma walk-a-thon on June 22 in Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park in California.  My team “November Kis” will walk in honor of my mother and myself (as well those who continue to live with Scleroderma).