Daughter of 9/11 First Responder Honors late father as ambassador for charity

CARTHAGE, Mo. (KOAM) - Student who received help from charity now works as an ambassador.

Erika Johnson may not be a professional golfer, but she's playing a role in today’s charity golf tournament as an ambassador for the First Responders Children's Foundation, an organization that supports the families of those injured or killed in the line of duty.

The tournament which is put on by SERVPRO is in it's second year and raised and estimated $10,000 for the FRCF.

For Johnson, the foundation’s mission hits close to home. Her father, a first responder, was diagnosed with angiosarcoma in 2021, a cancer caused by chemicals he inhaled while responding to the 9/11 attacks. He died on the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Johnson recalled the emotional final moments with her father, saying she held his wrist, feeling his heartbeat for the last time.

“It was a really crazy experience knowing the person who taught me how to do that wouldn’t have a heartbeat anymore,” said Johnson.

Reflecting on her father's legacy, Johnson called him a hero and said he would have served again, even knowing the risks.

“If he knew he was going to die from it, he’d do it anyway because he knew it was the right thing to do,” said Johnson.

With the foundation’s support, Johnson now studies interior design at Missouri State University, the school where her father once taught. She said attending the university was her only choice, despite others suggesting a backup plan.

Though her father is gone, Johnson keeps his memory alive through fond memories, including his love for SpongeBob SquarePants .

“He was a big, serious guy, but he loved SpongeBob and would sit down for breakfast and watch cartoons,” said Johnson.

Johnson said she strives to honor her father by being a better person, knowing it’s what he would have wanted.

To learn more about the First Responders Children's Foundation click here>>>> Home - First Responders Children's Foundation : Support Frontline Heroes (1strcf.org)

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