Trina Johnson, 45, of Thomaston, had her whole world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram in January 2020. After three surgeries and four chemotherapy sessions she’s on the road to a happy, fulfilled cancer-free life again! 

One of the main things that has got me through all of this is my love for my Jeep! I get in it and no matter how my body feels I have a smile on my face when I’m in my Jeep!

People see my Jeep and jaws drop. It’s covered in F**K Breast Cancer decals and my pink plate says F**K BC.

The second thing that has kept me going is enjoying our seasonal campsite at Duck Puddle Campground in Nobleboro. Even through surgeries and chemo I still went to camp and enjoyed the outdoors and camp friends we make every year.

This year the seasonal campers held a poker run and raised $1,500 to pay medical and travel expenses for a little boy who is battling leukemia. That’s when I met Jesse and the Richey family. 

Jesse and I connected instantly comparing our bald heads and chemo ports. Jesse is just 8 years old and was diagnosed in March 2020 with a rare form of cancer called T-Cell leukemia. 

Jesse absolutely loved my Jeep and I gave him one of my pink ribbon Jeep duckies that I duck Jeeps with. It was then I had the idea to do a Jeepin’ For Jesse ride.

I contacted Jesse’s mom and she thought it was an awesome idea and he would love it! So I contacted the club leader of the Coastal Maine Jeep Girls and she was totally on board with it! She is from the area as well and was able to get the Fire and Police departments to escort the ride.

On Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, a police car, 4 fire trucks and 8 Jeeps drove by Jesse’s house as he stood outside and waved to all of them. They circled around and parked at the aquarium and Jesse got to go in the fire trucks, run lights and try on gear and check out all the Jeeps.

Jesse’s smile is infectious and he is one brave little boy! Despite a couple setbacks with meds and chemotherapy side effects Jesse stays hopeful and happy. He’s your typical boy who loves camping, fishing, baseball, Red Sox and video games. Jesse has a long road ahead but his cancer doesn’t keep him down for sure!