About Us
We Are In This Together Inc. (WAITT Inc.) is a survivor-led, Virginia-based charitable 501{c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals impacted by all types of cancer—including cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families. Our organization is governed by a board of fellow breast cancer survivors who turns personal experiences into healing action. Our leadership team’s lived experience fuels every aspect of our programming, from peer support to public awareness campaigns.
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Founded in July 2025, We Are In This Together Inc. (WAITT Inc.) was established with a heartfelt mission to support this vulnerable community through compassionate care, emotional support, and practical assistance. Rooted in faith, empathy, dignity, and community, we are committed to walking alongside each person on their journey toward healing and wholeness.
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Through our core programs—Healing Circles, Relief & Resilience Fund, and Wellness Pathways—we provide emotional peer support, financial assistance, and holistic wellness tools that empower individuals to navigate cancer with courage and clarity. Whether it’s a supportive voice on our Hope Line, help with essential expenses, or access to spiritual and nutritional resources, our services are designed to meet people where they are—with love and strength.
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At We Are In This Together Inc. (WAITT Inc.) we believe no one should face cancer alone. By building a compassionate network of care, we help individuals and families find the strength to move forward—together.
Our Vision
We envision a world where no one faces cancer alone—where every person receives the emotional, spiritual, and practical support they need to heal and thrive.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to provide comprehensive support to individuals impacted by cancer by offering emotional connection, educational guidance, spiritual encouragement, nutritional resources, and financial relief—helping them navigate their journey with dignity and strength.
MICHELLE JOHNSON-LANE
Executive Director ​
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Michelle Johnson-Lane is the heart behind WAITT Inc. born from her personal journey through breast cancer and her unwavering commitment to serve others.
Diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (HER2 Positive, Stage 2a) on August 25, 2023, Michelle endured a grueling year of treatments and surgeries: port placement/removal, chemotherapy, lumpectomy with removal of two axillary lymphnodes, radiation, and her final immunotherapy session on November 7, 2024. She publicly shared her journey and story on various social media platforms to help other patients and to make people aware of real life as a survivor.
Currently, Michelle is doing her best to manage the life changes from the fallout of the side effects as she deals with lymphedema of a few other medical ailments.
Through it all, she held fast to her faith, drawing strength from Mark 5:34: "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
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Her declaration today: TO GOD BE THE GLORY—I AM STAGE HEALED.
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A survivor, thriver, and fighter by nature, Michelle transformed her pain into purpose. As a survivor coach, passionate advocate, and compassionate leader, she founded WAITT Inc. to ensure that no one faces the cancer journey alone. Her mission is to uplift fighters, encourage survivors, caregivers, and families through holistic support—emotional, financial, educational, spiritual, and nutritional.
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Michelle’s heart for service began in childhood. As a third grader, she regularly checked in on elderly neighbors after school, running errands and offering companionship. That early calling evolved into a lifelong dedication, with over four decades of professional experience spanning banking, social services, and nearly a decade in various non-profit roles.
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Today, Michelle leads WAITT Inc. with faith, empathy, and resilience. Her vision is simple yet profound: to offer hope, healing, and a reminder that we are truly in this together.
CELISA FORD
Vice Chair​​
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On April 17, 2023, Celisa Ford’s life was forever changed by a breast cancer diagnosis. Despite the physical and emotional toll of treatments and surgeries, she remains steadfast in her commitment to stay positive and embrace each day with grace.
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Celisa is a survivor who leads with resilience, cherishing every moment with her loved ones and walking her journey with courage. Her deep compassion and unwavering spirit make her a beacon of hope for others navigating similar paths.
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With over 30 years of experience serving others—spanning roles in Customer Service, Section 8 Housing, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Social Security, Celisa brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to WAITT Inc.
Her passion is simple yet profound: to bring light into moments of darkness.
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As Vice Chair and Survivor Coach, Celisa is dedicated to walking alongside fellow survivors, ensuring that no one faces this road alone.
JANAE BOHAC-ELLIOTT
Secretary
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On July 14, 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, Janae “JuJu” Bohac-Elliott received a life-altering diagnosis: breast cancer. Her journey has included two surgeries, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation, and a decade-long preventive medication regimen. The physical and emotional toll has been immense—but JuJu’s will to live, her faith, and her belief in a greater purpose have kept her in the fight.
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JuJu is a licensed cosmetologist with many years of experience uplifting others—literally and figuratively. She finds deep joy in helping people rise from low places, witnessing their transformation like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Her gift lies in exalting others, reminding them of their beauty, strength, and worth.
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With a compassionate heart and a servant’s spirit, JuJu brings warmth, resilience, and dedication to her role as WAITT’s Secretary. She believes her calling is clear: to serve, support, and walk alongside survivors—ensuring no one journeys alone.​​
CLAUDIA POLLARD
Treasurer
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In October 2021, Claudia’s life took an unexpected turn during what began as a routine annual breast exam. She was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), an early-stage form of breast cancer. With courage and grace, Claudia underwent two surgeries followed by a successful mastectomy. Throughout her healing journey, she leaned deeply on her faith, drawing strength from Psalm 41:10 — “So do not fear, for I am with you.” That promise transformed her fear into worship.
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Surrounded by the unwavering support of her children and family, Claudia praised God through every step, embracing the challenge with resilience and gratitude. Today, she celebrates three years as a survivor and finds joy in sharing her testimony of God’s healing power. Her experience has given her a profound understanding of the emotional and spiritual battles others face when navigating cancer or other life-altering illnesses.
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Professionally, Claudia is a seasoned Universal Banker with over 30 years of experience. She thrives on building relationships and helping others discover financial solutions tailored to their needs. Her passion for women’s empowerment has shaped much of her career and community involvement.
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As Treasurer of WAITT, Claudia brings both financial expertise and a heart for service. She is deeply committed to the organization’s mission to embrace, empower, encourage, and uplift the community. Above all, Claudia gives all glory to God, walking boldly in faith as she serves others with compassion and purpose.
TEMETRIA BROOKS
Board Member At-Large
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On September 22, 2022, Temetria “Tia” Brooks received the life-changing news of a breast cancer diagnosis. That day marked the beginning of a storm—but also the birth of a deeper strength. Through every challenge, Tia leaned into her faith, drawing closer to God as He drew her near.
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A natural encourager, Tia found herself called to uplift not only others, but herself. She stretched into the truth of who God designed her to be, trusting Him wholeheartedly through uncertainty. In her weakest moments, she experienced firsthand how Jesus became her strength. With more faith than fear—and more peace than tears—Tia walked through her healing journey with grace. Today, she celebrates God’s miraculous restoration of her body.
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Tia’s heart is anchored in her focal scripture: Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
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As a WAITT Board Member At-Large, Tia brings compassion, spiritual wisdom, and a deep desire to walk beside others facing their own storms. Her presence is a reminder that healing is possible, and peace is promised.
KHYRHEE JOHNSON
Program Director ​
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Khyrhee “Khy” Johnson serves as WAITT’s Program Director, bringing compassion, lived experience, and a heart for service to every initiative. As the daughter of WAITT’s founder, Michelle Johnson-Lane, Khy witnessed firsthand the emotional and physical toll of cancer—not as a patient, but as a devoted daughter who help care for her mother.
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Watching her mother—the strong pillar of their family and community—suddenly become vulnerable was a life-altering experience. Khy stepped up with love and courage, caring for her mother through treatments and recovery, all while grappling with the fear of what life might look like without her. She prayed fervently, leaned into faith, and rejoiced when healing came.
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Khy’s nurturing spirit runs deep, passed down through generations of women who served with grace. She’s a natural caregiver, both at home and in her professional role delivering meals to hospital patients—many of whom light up at the sight of her bright smile. She considers her work a blessing and a calling.
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As an empath, Khy lives out the biblical encouragement to love and support one another. Through WAITT, she walks beside survivors and families, offering comfort, connection, and care. Her journey reminds us that healing is not only for those diagnosed—but for everyone who loves them.​​
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