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Love Your Sister
A searingly honest memoir of family, cancer, love ... and unicycles by the founders of the LOVE YOUR SISTER charity, Connie and Samuel Johnson, that will inspire and they hope get people talking about boobs!
Born a year apart, Connie and Samuel Johnson have always been close. Faced with the devastating news that they would soon be separated forever, they made a decision.
After already surviving cancer twice in her young life, at 33 Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer. But this time it was a whole different ball game. This time she was told she will die, leaving behind her two sons. As a young mum faced with her own death, Connie wanted to make it all less meaningless, and she knew just the way to do it - send her brother, Sam, on a one-wheeled odyssey around Australia.
The aims: to break the world record for the longest distance travelled on a unicycle. To raise $1 million for the Garvan Research Foundation. And, most importantly, to remind women to be breast aware and stop others having to say goodbye to those they love.
Their message is simple: 'Don't fall into the booby trap.' Samuel has travelled through every state and ridden more than 150,000 kilometres to raise awareness and raise research dollars.
But Connie had a secret fourth aim: to fix Samuel. And it worked. Sam cleared his diary, cleaned himself up and tenaciously kept his promise to his dying sister.
For them the job isn't over. They are determined to raise more money for research. Connie vows to fight until her dying day and Sam says the fight will go on long after that.
These two remarkable Australians share their tale, from childhood through to the finish line and beyond in this truly unique story. Part memoir, part travel diary, part conversation, LOVE YOUR SISTER is an inspiring and unforgettable story that shows just how far one man will go for his sister.
Born a year apart, Connie and Samuel Johnson have always been close. Faced with the devastating news that they would soon be separated forever, they made a decision.
After already surviving cancer twice in her young life, at 33 Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer. But this time it was a whole different ball game. This time she was told she will die, leaving behind her two sons. As a young mum faced with her own death, Connie wanted to make it all less meaningless, and she knew just the way to do it - send her brother, Sam, on a one-wheeled odyssey around Australia.
The aims: to break the world record for the longest distance travelled on a unicycle. To raise $1 million for the Garvan Research Foundation. And, most importantly, to remind women to be breast aware and stop others having to say goodbye to those they love.
Their message is simple: 'Don't fall into the booby trap.' Samuel has travelled through every state and ridden more than 150,000 kilometres to raise awareness and raise research dollars.
But Connie had a secret fourth aim: to fix Samuel. And it worked. Sam cleared his diary, cleaned himself up and tenaciously kept his promise to his dying sister.
For them the job isn't over. They are determined to raise more money for research. Connie vows to fight until her dying day and Sam says the fight will go on long after that.
These two remarkable Australians share their tale, from childhood through to the finish line and beyond in this truly unique story. Part memoir, part travel diary, part conversation, LOVE YOUR SISTER is an inspiring and unforgettable story that shows just how far one man will go for his sister.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2014
28 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
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September 12, 2017
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On Friday 8th September 2017, our nation lost a remarkable and brave woman, Connie Johnson. Connie was recently awarded an Order of Australia award for her efforts in raising millions of dollars for cancer research, while battling the disease. In 2014, Connie, along with her younger brother Samuel Johnson, co-wrote a book titled, Love Your Sister: How Far Would You Go For Someone You Love? When I heard of Connie’s passing I felt a strong urge to bypass all the review books I had piling up and put this book ahead of the rest.
Love Your Sister is not simply a cancer memoir. It reads as so much more. For me, what resonated most from reading this book were a number of key aspects. Firstly, your family is everything, it is so important to hold them close to you, as you never know what lies around the corner. Secondly, each day should be lived as though it is a gift. Thirdly, don’t fall into the bobby trap and women, check your boobs! If anything, the years and tireless campaigning conducted by the Love Your Sister village is all about early cancer detection, working to raise awareness and save the lives of all women, before it is too late. In light of co-founder of Love Your Sister Connie Johnson’s long battle with cancer, which sadly ended last week, it is hoped that her legacy will continue.
Love Your Sister is a book that moved me, made me cry, shocked and surprised me. It was funny in places and reminded me of the power of Aussie mateship, especially in the face of adversity. Most of all, it was a readable book, while also shedding light on the emotional impact of a terminal illness. The book details Connie’s, along with her well known Australian entertainer brother, Samuel Johnson’s rather difficult upbringing in Melbourne. Deeply honest and revealing, the siblings outline a childhood marked by the loss of their mother at an early age to suicide, their father’s struggle with single parenthood, their constant upheavals in moving from place to place and the bullying they faced. At age 11, Connie was diagnosed with her first stint with cancer. She overcame the disease, only for it to return again when she was 22 and finally once again at age 33. In between Connie’s honest anecdotes about her battles with cancer, she highlights the everyday events that defined her life, including her education, careers, love life, aspirations and her fight for motherhood. Intertwined with Connie’s story is Sam’s perspective, where he expresses his difficulty in dealing with his sister’s mortality, his own personal demons, tragic losses and career highlights. Both siblings are frank with the reader, especially in sharing the times where they were estranged from one another. But the Johnson siblings managed to find a way back to each other via the bond forged through Love Your Sister.
In part two of the book, the reader is given an insight into the inception of the Love Your Sister charity. What surprised me most about this section of the book was the sheer time and manpower needed to get this great idea off the ground. With many hours of tireless campaigning and pitching ideas to big companies for donations, finally the village was born. Outlined in the book is Connie’s wish for her legacy to continue, which saw her request that her brother Sam unicycle around Australia in order to break a world record for the longest distance travelled on a unicycle. Connie hoped that as well as raising awareness about early breast cancer detection, Love Your Sister could also collect over 1 million dollars in donations towards vital cancer research. On a more personal note, Connie hoped that the task she had set for Sam would also give her brother a sense of wellness to repair his own heartbreak and unhappiness. As the book explains, the experience achieved this and much more. I have to admit to enjoying the actual ride Samuel took across Australia. These parts read like a finely tuned travel diary. I loved hearing about the places, people, their generosity and the sheer willingness to get behind this vital cause.
Ultimately, Love Your Sister, is a sad, heartbreaking book but inspiring nonetheless. Connie was a courageous woman and mother who fought so hard to live and save others lives. She leaves behind an incredibly supportive family and village dedicated to her cause. Love Your Sister is a book that reminds us of the unconditional bonds of siblings and families, of the act of giving and the importance of continuing Connie’s legacy.
On Friday 8th September 2017, our nation lost a remarkable and brave woman, Connie Johnson. Connie was recently awarded an Order of Australia award for her efforts in raising millions of dollars for cancer research, while battling the disease. In 2014, Connie, along with her younger brother Samuel Johnson, co-wrote a book titled, Love Your Sister: How Far Would You Go For Someone You Love? When I heard of Connie’s passing I felt a strong urge to bypass all the review books I had piling up and put this book ahead of the rest.
Love Your Sister is not simply a cancer memoir. It reads as so much more. For me, what resonated most from reading this book were a number of key aspects. Firstly, your family is everything, it is so important to hold them close to you, as you never know what lies around the corner. Secondly, each day should be lived as though it is a gift. Thirdly, don’t fall into the bobby trap and women, check your boobs! If anything, the years and tireless campaigning conducted by the Love Your Sister village is all about early cancer detection, working to raise awareness and save the lives of all women, before it is too late. In light of co-founder of Love Your Sister Connie Johnson’s long battle with cancer, which sadly ended last week, it is hoped that her legacy will continue.
Love Your Sister is a book that moved me, made me cry, shocked and surprised me. It was funny in places and reminded me of the power of Aussie mateship, especially in the face of adversity. Most of all, it was a readable book, while also shedding light on the emotional impact of a terminal illness. The book details Connie’s, along with her well known Australian entertainer brother, Samuel Johnson’s rather difficult upbringing in Melbourne. Deeply honest and revealing, the siblings outline a childhood marked by the loss of their mother at an early age to suicide, their father’s struggle with single parenthood, their constant upheavals in moving from place to place and the bullying they faced. At age 11, Connie was diagnosed with her first stint with cancer. She overcame the disease, only for it to return again when she was 22 and finally once again at age 33. In between Connie’s honest anecdotes about her battles with cancer, she highlights the everyday events that defined her life, including her education, careers, love life, aspirations and her fight for motherhood. Intertwined with Connie’s story is Sam’s perspective, where he expresses his difficulty in dealing with his sister’s mortality, his own personal demons, tragic losses and career highlights. Both siblings are frank with the reader, especially in sharing the times where they were estranged from one another. But the Johnson siblings managed to find a way back to each other via the bond forged through Love Your Sister.
In part two of the book, the reader is given an insight into the inception of the Love Your Sister charity. What surprised me most about this section of the book was the sheer time and manpower needed to get this great idea off the ground. With many hours of tireless campaigning and pitching ideas to big companies for donations, finally the village was born. Outlined in the book is Connie’s wish for her legacy to continue, which saw her request that her brother Sam unicycle around Australia in order to break a world record for the longest distance travelled on a unicycle. Connie hoped that as well as raising awareness about early breast cancer detection, Love Your Sister could also collect over 1 million dollars in donations towards vital cancer research. On a more personal note, Connie hoped that the task she had set for Sam would also give her brother a sense of wellness to repair his own heartbreak and unhappiness. As the book explains, the experience achieved this and much more. I have to admit to enjoying the actual ride Samuel took across Australia. These parts read like a finely tuned travel diary. I loved hearing about the places, people, their generosity and the sheer willingness to get behind this vital cause.
Ultimately, Love Your Sister, is a sad, heartbreaking book but inspiring nonetheless. Connie was a courageous woman and mother who fought so hard to live and save others lives. She leaves behind an incredibly supportive family and village dedicated to her cause. Love Your Sister is a book that reminds us of the unconditional bonds of siblings and families, of the act of giving and the importance of continuing Connie’s legacy.
May 5, 2016
Poignant, inspirational, honest...this has it all.
My View:
Poignant, inspirational, honest...this has it all.
Remarkable lives; remarkable courage, honesty, strength and love. This is a wonderful story of family, love and inspiration. Multiple tragedies inspire unselfish goals and such wonderful acts of individual heroism.
This family deserves….a long life together and to see their goal of financing the science that will help find a cure for breast cancer come to fruition. Unfortunately that long life together is most definitely not going to happen but that has not stopped this family from their journey to raise the funds to help this dream come true. Over two million dollars thus far and counting… Along the way Connie and Sam make memories that their families, friends and colleagues will never forget.
A poignant and very personal honest story that will leave you in awe of the strength of this family bond. I wish you all the very best as you continue to make the most out of every day.
My View:
Poignant, inspirational, honest...this has it all.
Remarkable lives; remarkable courage, honesty, strength and love. This is a wonderful story of family, love and inspiration. Multiple tragedies inspire unselfish goals and such wonderful acts of individual heroism.
This family deserves….a long life together and to see their goal of financing the science that will help find a cure for breast cancer come to fruition. Unfortunately that long life together is most definitely not going to happen but that has not stopped this family from their journey to raise the funds to help this dream come true. Over two million dollars thus far and counting… Along the way Connie and Sam make memories that their families, friends and colleagues will never forget.
A poignant and very personal honest story that will leave you in awe of the strength of this family bond. I wish you all the very best as you continue to make the most out of every day.
August 3, 2016
Love Your Sister is not your typical cancer memoir. Yes, you will cry while reading it, but this book is filled with more love and happiness than you could ever hope for. You will cry from happiness more than you will from sadness.
By the age of 33, Connie had already beaten cancer twice. Now, owning her own online book store, and living with her husband and children, Connie is once again diagnosed with cancer. This time it's terminal. Determined to make the most of her life and fill her children's memories with laughter and joy, Connie makes each day an adventure. Lacking the energy to do this herself, she sends her brother on an unforgettable journey. This journey was to send her brother around Australia on a unicycle.
Samuel does not need to prove to any of us that he is a loving brother, who wishes he could cure his sister's illness – he rode a unicycle around Australia to raise money for the cause. If that's not love, then I don't know what is! With a simple message for all women out there – “Don't fall into the booby trap” - Sam and Connie are determined that no other family should have to live through the hell that cancer brings with it.
Laugh along with Connie and Sam as they live each day as it comes; as they try to find a cure; as they cycle around the country; and as they create their own charity – Love Your Sister.
They will truly remind you what is important in life – having the opportunity to love your family.
- Jacqueline, QBD Epping
By the age of 33, Connie had already beaten cancer twice. Now, owning her own online book store, and living with her husband and children, Connie is once again diagnosed with cancer. This time it's terminal. Determined to make the most of her life and fill her children's memories with laughter and joy, Connie makes each day an adventure. Lacking the energy to do this herself, she sends her brother on an unforgettable journey. This journey was to send her brother around Australia on a unicycle.
Samuel does not need to prove to any of us that he is a loving brother, who wishes he could cure his sister's illness – he rode a unicycle around Australia to raise money for the cause. If that's not love, then I don't know what is! With a simple message for all women out there – “Don't fall into the booby trap” - Sam and Connie are determined that no other family should have to live through the hell that cancer brings with it.
Laugh along with Connie and Sam as they live each day as it comes; as they try to find a cure; as they cycle around the country; and as they create their own charity – Love Your Sister.
They will truly remind you what is important in life – having the opportunity to love your family.
- Jacqueline, QBD Epping
January 16, 2020
Everyone needs to read this book. Yes it’s sad, yes it’s completely heartbreaking. But it’s so much more than that. It’s inspirational, it’s positive, and it’s honest. I knew this great country of ours was filled with amazing people, but wow! We really are a fabulous nation of generous, caring humans. And the Johnson clan are at the front of that line. I’ve never cried so much while reading a book at the same time as smiling.
March 23, 2016
Life can be cruel. I can see no other explanation for someone to battle cancer not once during their life, but three times. For Connie Johnson this is her reality. Three different cancers, all unrelated, the last one terminal.Simply cruel.
I listened to the audio version of this, narrated by Connie and her brother Sam. Listening to their voices, especially Connie's as she relived some sad and difficult times of her life made this book just that little more personal.
Both Connie and Sam are searingly honest in this book. They talk about the struggles they have both gone through, together and alone. Not only cancer, but family issues, dealing with Henry the bi-polar bear and just general life struggles. By the end you can't help but admire both of them, their drive and their amazing outlook on life. Their bond as siblings is something I understand - it's a connection I have with my sisters and one I hope my kids maintain throughout their lives. It's a bond that may stretch, but doesn't break. One that ensures you have love and support when you need it the most, even if you think you don't.
Sam Johnson's telling of his part of this book - his epic unicycle ride around Australia - shows just how hard it is to get an event like that off the ground. His determination it was going to happen one way or another awe inspiring. I loved his descriptions of the places he visited, the things he was asked to do and the people he met. Basically I now want to ride around Australia on a unicycle. I'd be lucky to get to the end of my street! I admired his honest at the end of the ride about his feelings and how it wasn't as grand as he thought. The reality is many big events leave us with a let down feeling at the end and his honesty about that was refreshing.
This book is worth reading for so many reasons. It's funny, it's informative, it's heart wrenching, but most of it all it's just a bloody good story.
I listened to the audio version of this, narrated by Connie and her brother Sam. Listening to their voices, especially Connie's as she relived some sad and difficult times of her life made this book just that little more personal.
Both Connie and Sam are searingly honest in this book. They talk about the struggles they have both gone through, together and alone. Not only cancer, but family issues, dealing with Henry the bi-polar bear and just general life struggles. By the end you can't help but admire both of them, their drive and their amazing outlook on life. Their bond as siblings is something I understand - it's a connection I have with my sisters and one I hope my kids maintain throughout their lives. It's a bond that may stretch, but doesn't break. One that ensures you have love and support when you need it the most, even if you think you don't.
Sam Johnson's telling of his part of this book - his epic unicycle ride around Australia - shows just how hard it is to get an event like that off the ground. His determination it was going to happen one way or another awe inspiring. I loved his descriptions of the places he visited, the things he was asked to do and the people he met. Basically I now want to ride around Australia on a unicycle. I'd be lucky to get to the end of my street! I admired his honest at the end of the ride about his feelings and how it wasn't as grand as he thought. The reality is many big events leave us with a let down feeling at the end and his honesty about that was refreshing.
This book is worth reading for so many reasons. It's funny, it's informative, it's heart wrenching, but most of it all it's just a bloody good story.
January 7, 2025
I laughed & I cried!
Sam and his boob crew rolled through my town in 2019, this is how long I have had this book next to my bed…. I couldn’t start it, I knew it was going to be a book that would be real and raw, my advice pick it up and read this incredible story of bravery and a family making a massive difference.
Sam and his boob crew rolled through my town in 2019, this is how long I have had this book next to my bed…. I couldn’t start it, I knew it was going to be a book that would be real and raw, my advice pick it up and read this incredible story of bravery and a family making a massive difference.
May 24, 2019
The money they fundraised for was a waste as it went to vivisection.
December 16, 2014
Cancer is a disease that does not discriminate. Why some people get hit with it three times (the last bout terminal) like Connie Johnson and others don't is a mystery that medical science is yet to solve. I have no doubt that Connie would have preferred to remain anonymous as she battles the disease that will ultimately take her from her husband and children. However Connie is not the type to give in easily and using her actor brother Sam's profile she created an amazing event that not only raised an amazing amount of money for breast cancer research but also gave meaning and focus to Sam's life at a time when he really needed it.
Most Australians would be familiar with the Love Your Sister campaign, which saw actor Samuel Johnson ride a unicycle around Australia. Despite its amazing success, it was not an easy event to get off the ground. A couple of years of planning and struggling to gain sponsorship was required. Once again it is thanks to Connie's tenacity that it ultimately went ahead.
Co-written with her brother Samuel, Love Your Sister is the journey of both the Johnson siblings. Covering their early life in Melbourne and the roller-coaster their lives have taken over the years, it is an easy read that is very emotional at times. Both Connie and Samuel have faced many challenges and much sadness in their lives and have not always been as close as they are now. However ultimately amid Connie's sad diagnosis, both discovered the value of family and how to use those bonds to do something amazing.
While Love Your Sister is a sad book in many ways it is also a very positive and uplifting one. I doubt any reader would fail to be moved by the story within.
Most Australians would be familiar with the Love Your Sister campaign, which saw actor Samuel Johnson ride a unicycle around Australia. Despite its amazing success, it was not an easy event to get off the ground. A couple of years of planning and struggling to gain sponsorship was required. Once again it is thanks to Connie's tenacity that it ultimately went ahead.
Co-written with her brother Samuel, Love Your Sister is the journey of both the Johnson siblings. Covering their early life in Melbourne and the roller-coaster their lives have taken over the years, it is an easy read that is very emotional at times. Both Connie and Samuel have faced many challenges and much sadness in their lives and have not always been as close as they are now. However ultimately amid Connie's sad diagnosis, both discovered the value of family and how to use those bonds to do something amazing.
While Love Your Sister is a sad book in many ways it is also a very positive and uplifting one. I doubt any reader would fail to be moved by the story within.
Read
November 6, 2014Two memoirs for the price of one plus you help raise awareness and give to cancer research, sounds like a good deal right?
In part it is the heartbreaking story of a mum in her 30s who has been given the news that she will die from cancer. More over this brave woman has had cancer twice before and beaten it. The first time she got cancer she was only a child of 11. And also happens to be the sister of an Australian celebrity.
On the other hand it is a travel memoir of Samuel Johnson as his sickness makes him a better person and he raises money for charity, all on a unicycle whilst overcoming depression.
I have heard some people criticise Samuel Johnson's story as self indulgent and that this memoir should have told the brave tale of his sister Connie and that his perspective added very little. However, we live in an age where celebrity is king. People rush out to buy Kyle Sandilands book simply because he is a celebrity. He hasn't done anything spectacular for mankind but people want to know about him and so it gets published and sells like Kardashian Cakes. Through Samuel Johnson's celebrity this important message gets shared. Yes people will complain that it could have been two memoirs one on overcoming depression and one on living with terminal cancer, that both issues deserve the attention. But let's be honest, there are other memoirs that do just that. So for now, enjoy this book about an inspirational mother who has a brother that road around Australia on a unicycle (who coincidentally is a celebrity) just for her, and love your sister.
In part it is the heartbreaking story of a mum in her 30s who has been given the news that she will die from cancer. More over this brave woman has had cancer twice before and beaten it. The first time she got cancer she was only a child of 11. And also happens to be the sister of an Australian celebrity.
On the other hand it is a travel memoir of Samuel Johnson as his sickness makes him a better person and he raises money for charity, all on a unicycle whilst overcoming depression.
I have heard some people criticise Samuel Johnson's story as self indulgent and that this memoir should have told the brave tale of his sister Connie and that his perspective added very little. However, we live in an age where celebrity is king. People rush out to buy Kyle Sandilands book simply because he is a celebrity. He hasn't done anything spectacular for mankind but people want to know about him and so it gets published and sells like Kardashian Cakes. Through Samuel Johnson's celebrity this important message gets shared. Yes people will complain that it could have been two memoirs one on overcoming depression and one on living with terminal cancer, that both issues deserve the attention. But let's be honest, there are other memoirs that do just that. So for now, enjoy this book about an inspirational mother who has a brother that road around Australia on a unicycle (who coincidentally is a celebrity) just for her, and love your sister.
November 12, 2014
Omg this is such an honest and open account of your family journey. It was so well written and had me constantly crying....from tears of joy at your triumphs.....tears of sadness at your setbacks......but mostly chest wretching tears of pride at your ability to bring out a sense of community and family and drawing attention to such an important issue.
I love the warts and all acount you've been brave enough to commit to paper.
Thank you......I recommend this is a read for everyone......especially those who struggle everyday with the hurdles that are thrown our way. Everyone can make a difference...
Now go check your boobs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the warts and all acount you've been brave enough to commit to paper.
Thank you......I recommend this is a read for everyone......especially those who struggle everyday with the hurdles that are thrown our way. Everyone can make a difference...
Now go check your boobs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 21, 2018
This book is not just about cancer. It's about the love between a brother and sister, determination to advocate about breast cancer, battling your inner demons in times of struggle, family and laughter. I love how the book is written from both Connie's and Sam's perspectives, including their family back story from childhood to present day. This is a must read for everyone!
May 10, 2018
Shit
If I thought I cried when I read the first edition it had nothing on the floods that I experienced reading this third edition, updated after the death of Connie.
The bond this family had is inspiring and beautiful and if I could be half the woman Connie was when I leave this world, I would be very satisfied
If I thought I cried when I read the first edition it had nothing on the floods that I experienced reading this third edition, updated after the death of Connie.
The bond this family had is inspiring and beautiful and if I could be half the woman Connie was when I leave this world, I would be very satisfied
February 27, 2015
What a well written incredible story. When I first started reading this I didnt know if I could get through the book due to the sad topic, soon discovered there is so much more in this story. What courage and endurance both Sam and Connie have. Well worth a read.
December 7, 2014
My #1 recommendation for Christmas 2014. Inspiring, heartbreaking, uplifting - you'll feel all the emotions. Buy this for the women in your life. For anyone in your life, really.
November 4, 2016
Inspiring, heart warming and charmingly down to earth story of two absolute gems :)
May 24, 2025
Dear Reader,
Good morning,
*भाऊबीजेच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!*
I have completed reading the book *LOVE YOUR SISTER* by Connie & Samuel Johnson.
Part memoir, part travel diary, part conversation *LOVE YOUR SISTER* is an unique, inspiring & unforgettable true life story of heroism,endurance of two remarkable Australian brother-sister Connie & Samuel Johnson that shows just how far one man can go for unconditional love for his *Sister.*
Siblings outline a childhood marked by the loss of their mother at an early age. Their father struggle with single parenthood. Their constant upheals in moving from place to place & the bullying they faced.
At age 11; Connie was diagnosed with her first stint with cancer. She overcame the disease & it returned again when she was 22& finally she diagnosed once again at the age of 33 as a mother of two young boys & told she would die this time. In between Connie's honest anecdotes @ her battles with cancer,she highlights everyday events that defined her life, including her education, careers,love life,aspirations & her fight for motherhood.
*THE AIM:* To break the world record for the longest distance traveled on unicycle.
To raise $ 1 million for the Garvan research foundation & most importantly to remind women to be breast aware through community engagement activities. Sam has visited dozens of schools, attended hundreds of events & spoken with half the country @ not falling into booby trap & raising money for great cause.
This is a story of compassion & generosity sharing message that Early detection is the best protection we have against this disease. We don’t want to scare people into thinking that they are going to get breast cancer, we just want people to know that if they check regularly and are proactive about their health, then they don’t have to end up like Connie, with a terminal diagnosis, trying to figure out how to tell her children that she was going to die and they’ll have to grow up without their mum.
Sam had a golden ticket straight into the heart of every community he travelled through. He met colourful and kind people all the time. There were remarkable people, breathtaking surrounding & spiritual experiences & he couldn't hep thinking @ the heat & the endless straight road that stretched out for hundreds of kilometers with unchanging desert all around him.
*Their message is simple: don't fall into the booby trap, Samuel has traveled on unicycle through every state of Australia & ridden more than 150000 km to raise awareness & raise research dollars.*
*LOVE YOUR SISTER CHARITY:*
It was challenge @ the sheer time & manpower needed to get idea off the ground. Connie's wish for her legacy to continue, which saw her request that her brother Sam unicycle around Australia in order to break a world record for the longest distance traveled on a unicycle @ 150000 km.
Sam loved hearing @ the places, people, their generosity & sheer willingness to get behind this vital cause.
Her excellency, Quentin Bryce, Australia's first female governor General to be sitting with Connie sharing tea & biscuits & tales of community & causes. Wow!.
But the Connie had a Secrete fourth aim to help Sam to see the good in people again,to help him find peace & happiness.
Connie vows to fight until her dying day & Sam says the fight will go on long after that. In September 2011 the women (Connie) who taught us all that everyday is awesome took her last breath.
*Lessons Learnt:*
1. Your family is everything. It is so important to hold them close to you, as you never know what lies around the corner.
2. Each day should be lived as though it is a gift.
3. Don't fall into booby trap, check your boobs I.e. tireless campaigning conducted by the love your sister is all @ early cancer detection, working to raise awareness & gave lives of all women before it is too late.
*LOVE YOUR SISTER is a book that moved me, make me cry, shocked & surprised me & also focusing light on emotional impact of a terminal illness. This book that reminds us of unconditional bonds of siblings & families of the act of giving & importance of continuing Connie's legacy*
*THANK YOU*
Good morning,
*भाऊबीजेच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!*
I have completed reading the book *LOVE YOUR SISTER* by Connie & Samuel Johnson.
Part memoir, part travel diary, part conversation *LOVE YOUR SISTER* is an unique, inspiring & unforgettable true life story of heroism,endurance of two remarkable Australian brother-sister Connie & Samuel Johnson that shows just how far one man can go for unconditional love for his *Sister.*
Siblings outline a childhood marked by the loss of their mother at an early age. Their father struggle with single parenthood. Their constant upheals in moving from place to place & the bullying they faced.
At age 11; Connie was diagnosed with her first stint with cancer. She overcame the disease & it returned again when she was 22& finally she diagnosed once again at the age of 33 as a mother of two young boys & told she would die this time. In between Connie's honest anecdotes @ her battles with cancer,she highlights everyday events that defined her life, including her education, careers,love life,aspirations & her fight for motherhood.
*THE AIM:* To break the world record for the longest distance traveled on unicycle.
To raise $ 1 million for the Garvan research foundation & most importantly to remind women to be breast aware through community engagement activities. Sam has visited dozens of schools, attended hundreds of events & spoken with half the country @ not falling into booby trap & raising money for great cause.
This is a story of compassion & generosity sharing message that Early detection is the best protection we have against this disease. We don’t want to scare people into thinking that they are going to get breast cancer, we just want people to know that if they check regularly and are proactive about their health, then they don’t have to end up like Connie, with a terminal diagnosis, trying to figure out how to tell her children that she was going to die and they’ll have to grow up without their mum.
Sam had a golden ticket straight into the heart of every community he travelled through. He met colourful and kind people all the time. There were remarkable people, breathtaking surrounding & spiritual experiences & he couldn't hep thinking @ the heat & the endless straight road that stretched out for hundreds of kilometers with unchanging desert all around him.
*Their message is simple: don't fall into the booby trap, Samuel has traveled on unicycle through every state of Australia & ridden more than 150000 km to raise awareness & raise research dollars.*
*LOVE YOUR SISTER CHARITY:*
It was challenge @ the sheer time & manpower needed to get idea off the ground. Connie's wish for her legacy to continue, which saw her request that her brother Sam unicycle around Australia in order to break a world record for the longest distance traveled on a unicycle @ 150000 km.
Sam loved hearing @ the places, people, their generosity & sheer willingness to get behind this vital cause.
Her excellency, Quentin Bryce, Australia's first female governor General to be sitting with Connie sharing tea & biscuits & tales of community & causes. Wow!.
But the Connie had a Secrete fourth aim to help Sam to see the good in people again,to help him find peace & happiness.
Connie vows to fight until her dying day & Sam says the fight will go on long after that. In September 2011 the women (Connie) who taught us all that everyday is awesome took her last breath.
*Lessons Learnt:*
1. Your family is everything. It is so important to hold them close to you, as you never know what lies around the corner.
2. Each day should be lived as though it is a gift.
3. Don't fall into booby trap, check your boobs I.e. tireless campaigning conducted by the love your sister is all @ early cancer detection, working to raise awareness & gave lives of all women before it is too late.
*LOVE YOUR SISTER is a book that moved me, make me cry, shocked & surprised me & also focusing light on emotional impact of a terminal illness. This book that reminds us of unconditional bonds of siblings & families of the act of giving & importance of continuing Connie's legacy*
*THANK YOU*
September 19, 2019
I wasn't going to read this. I thought it was going to be a tough read - not because it was sad, that wasn't putting me off, but because I didn't think it would engage me. But it really did. A lovely story about a brother and sister with a strong bond, but who had had so many tough times and had grown apart. Connie's cancer, and her idea for her legacy (Sam hates that word) brought them close again. I'd always loved Samuel Johnson since The Secret Life of Us (who didn't?), and Connie was a close friend of a close friend of mine. Connie came to my house for a small Nutrimetics party. She was being treated for terminal cancer, and she told us about their plans for Sam to ride around Australia on a unicycle, taking a whole year, to raise funds for cancer research. The Love Your Sister charity was a huge success and they've raised over $1m. Connie wasn't expected to live to see him finish, but she did, and hung on for another few years before losing her battle. This edition features a post script after the race, before Connie died, and I admit that brought me down a bit (and it wasn't really cancer related, just sad). Sam has now retired from acting, after playing Molly Meldrum in a TV series (still doing voiceover work to pay the bills), and he works full time on Love Your Sister which has raised over $10m for cancer research. Sam has some nasty personal demons and he's so honest in this book, you can't help but love him more.
July 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I had previously donated to Love Your Sister and came across this book in a street library (letter boxes at the front of houses with free book exchanges in them).
First and foremost it is an important message about cancer and particularly, breast cancer, but it isn't depressing or sad as I expected. Of course it's sad anytime anyone has a life threatening disease but this book is about making your time count, regardless of whether you experience cancer or a mental health condition.
I would particularly recommend this book to Australians as I found I got a lot out of the mateship that Sam experienced in small Australian communities which may not be as understood by people from other countries. The details of Sam's travels were also great given that we know the landscape and the type of places he would have visited.
Connie and Sam have amazing self awareness and are extremely articulate in relation to the cancer and Sam's bi-polar. This is another reason I found it a really interesting read.
First and foremost it is an important message about cancer and particularly, breast cancer, but it isn't depressing or sad as I expected. Of course it's sad anytime anyone has a life threatening disease but this book is about making your time count, regardless of whether you experience cancer or a mental health condition.
I would particularly recommend this book to Australians as I found I got a lot out of the mateship that Sam experienced in small Australian communities which may not be as understood by people from other countries. The details of Sam's travels were also great given that we know the landscape and the type of places he would have visited.
Connie and Sam have amazing self awareness and are extremely articulate in relation to the cancer and Sam's bi-polar. This is another reason I found it a really interesting read.
January 9, 2019
I love love LOVED this book. It’s a story very close to my heart, so relatable at times it hurt. So beautifully written that I found inspiration and peace from the individual journeys that both Sam and Connie travelled. I loved how both Connie and Sam each narrated from each of their perspectives, and conveyed their experiences in a way that was honest, and at times, raw.
More than a story of a cancer battle and the subsequent loss of ones sister, it was a lesson on living, of dreaming, promises, setting goals and relishing in the rewards of effort, persistence and achievements. It’s a story of a family’s love and support for each other, the unbreakable bond of siblings and the commitment of one big hearted brother to his sister.
And it’s a wonderful story of community spirit and people coming together as a village to support each other as well as working towards vanquishing cancer.
If you only read one book a year, make it this one.
More than a story of a cancer battle and the subsequent loss of ones sister, it was a lesson on living, of dreaming, promises, setting goals and relishing in the rewards of effort, persistence and achievements. It’s a story of a family’s love and support for each other, the unbreakable bond of siblings and the commitment of one big hearted brother to his sister.
And it’s a wonderful story of community spirit and people coming together as a village to support each other as well as working towards vanquishing cancer.
If you only read one book a year, make it this one.
December 27, 2024
Amazing read! I sobbed and have a little more faith in us humans.
This book deserves 5 stars because it takes you on a remarkable journey. Sam and Connie tell their stories from each side of their family life and Connie’s cancer journeys.
Hearing of Sam’s experience while riding around Australia in the name of breast cancer awareness made me so proud to be Australian.
My favourite thing about this book was their acceptance of each other in the different stages of their lives and dealing with love, loss and sickness in their own way. Connie’s determination and bravery is honourable and inspiring - Sam did ok too 🤣
Sam and Connie narrate the audiobook and this gave it so much heart.
This should be on a list of “must reads in your lifetime”.
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
This book deserves 5 stars because it takes you on a remarkable journey. Sam and Connie tell their stories from each side of their family life and Connie’s cancer journeys.
Hearing of Sam’s experience while riding around Australia in the name of breast cancer awareness made me so proud to be Australian.
My favourite thing about this book was their acceptance of each other in the different stages of their lives and dealing with love, loss and sickness in their own way. Connie’s determination and bravery is honourable and inspiring - Sam did ok too 🤣
Sam and Connie narrate the audiobook and this gave it so much heart.
This should be on a list of “must reads in your lifetime”.
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
July 31, 2017
I purchased the updated version of this book on the Love Your Sister website recently.
When hearing of Connie going to Clare Holland House not long ago, I pulled this book to the top of my to read list. I felt that I needed to understand Connie and Sam's stories sooner rather than later.
It has been a long journey and the Love Your Sister village continues to gather momentum.
What a story and what a life. The love you have for one another is so important, and that burns so bright in the Love Your Sister village.
I feel better informed and the book was a joy to read. Thank you to Connie and Sam for sharing your tales. You are both beyond inspirational to those in your family and friends around you.
When hearing of Connie going to Clare Holland House not long ago, I pulled this book to the top of my to read list. I felt that I needed to understand Connie and Sam's stories sooner rather than later.
It has been a long journey and the Love Your Sister village continues to gather momentum.
What a story and what a life. The love you have for one another is so important, and that burns so bright in the Love Your Sister village.
I feel better informed and the book was a joy to read. Thank you to Connie and Sam for sharing your tales. You are both beyond inspirational to those in your family and friends around you.
June 2, 2017
LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! Such an inspiring, sad, heartwarming, beautiful book. I loved everything about it.
Love the bond between brother and sister.
Loved how Samuel had called his Bi Polar Henry.
Loved the wonderful community spirit of all the towns Samuel visited.
Loved the honesty and the emotion that was in this book. I listened to this book and Connie was clearly emotional at times whilst reading her portions.
I recently heard in the news that Connie's body can no longer take any treatment and she has opted out which will not give her much longer. My heart and prayers go out to her and her beautiful family.
Love the bond between brother and sister.
Loved how Samuel had called his Bi Polar Henry.
Loved the wonderful community spirit of all the towns Samuel visited.
Loved the honesty and the emotion that was in this book. I listened to this book and Connie was clearly emotional at times whilst reading her portions.
I recently heard in the news that Connie's body can no longer take any treatment and she has opted out which will not give her much longer. My heart and prayers go out to her and her beautiful family.
June 13, 2021
A story of sibling love and devotion to show Connie's life amounted to more than several cancer diagnoses. Despite Sam's initial reservations an awareness and fundraising unicycle trip around Australia was embarked on. What joy and purpose the travel brought Sam! Despite the potential for sadness and grief with this story, it is told with humour, good will and a genuine love of life.
I listened as an audiobook, which was narrated by Sam and Connie, bringing the story to life. Thank you for all these two people have done for so many people, whilst facing some of their own battles and demons.
I listened as an audiobook, which was narrated by Sam and Connie, bringing the story to life. Thank you for all these two people have done for so many people, whilst facing some of their own battles and demons.
July 15, 2018
I wish I could give more than 5 stars. This book deserves every star on this damn website. It’s just amazing and heartbreaking what these two went through. It’s totally and utterly compelling and gripping and ultimately relatable. Connie and Sam are just brilliant narrators of this packed story; and the manner it all unfolds is just a story of effort and perseverance in itself. In the immortal words of Molly Meldrum, further immortalised by Samuel Johnson’s portrayal of him in the TV Series Molly, “Do yourself a favour!”
August 8, 2017
Thank you to Samuel and Connie for a glimpse into their lives, and for a journey around Australia. I am very glad I don't entirely identify with their passion for fighting cancer - because that clearly means it hasn't touched my life directly - I hope never to understand. Perhaps their great work will ensure that I never do.
September 16, 2017
Tugged at every heartstrings I had , Samuel and Connie what a fabulous duo , one of those greatest purchases I ever made the fact some of the books proceeds go toward cancer research make it even better. I have never checked my breasts so regularly in my life. I certainly won't fall for the booby grab . I will be ready aware!!
June 12, 2018
I felt inspired and encouraged to read such a positive and motivating memoir. It very cleverly and honestly portrayed both siblings perspectives without being morbid or focusing on the illness. I was in tears at the generosity and good nature of the public as well the amazing fundraising journey and adventures of Sam.
September 19, 2018
“Death is a profound part of everyone’s life, which we all have to face one day. “
This book was hard to read at times as sometimes it would be so involving that it became emotionally difficult. I really enjoyed reading how candid expression and humility in her actions of advocating for better awareness. A brave soul. A great read.
This book was hard to read at times as sometimes it would be so involving that it became emotionally difficult. I really enjoyed reading how candid expression and humility in her actions of advocating for better awareness. A brave soul. A great read.
April 26, 2022
A book that is both sad and sensationally happy at the same time. Everything from the personal journey of the Johnsons to the logistical nightmares that eventually worked out for an amazing fundraiser makes fascinating reading. Loved every single word of this book. I laughed at the humour and cried at the tragedy. Everyone should read Love Your Sister.
November 8, 2023
This was my second read of this book and just like last time it was a tug at your heartstrings journey filled with tears, smiles and being thankful that we were given such a glimpse into Sam and Connie's mission. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone that likes memoirs and do remember to be 🍈 🍉 aware yeah?
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