At Altru, we believe that excellence takes many forms—and for Stacy Johnson, it looks like resilience, compassion, and an unshakable desire to uplift others. As a Registration Specialist at the Altru Cancer Center and the newly crowned Miss Wheelchair North Dakota 2025, Stacy shows that real strength lies not just in actions, but in perseverance and purpose.
Finding Purpose in Patient Care
Stacy’s day-to-day work is centered around connecting with patients during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
“I greet patients, take their calls, schedule their imaging and tests,” she says. “But most importantly I connect with some of the most amazing members of our community daily that are going through possibly the worst thing in their lives, I strive to make that experience as friendly and impactful to them as possible.”
Stacy began her Altru journey in 2020, first working inpatient before transitioning to the Cancer Center in 2021—a move that brought her back to the patient interaction she values most.
“What I love most is connecting with our patients on a personal level and hearing their stories. That brings me joy every day.”
In addition to her role within Altru, Stacy works part time during hockey season at The University of North Dakota and belongs to the Non-Profit Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®.
A Life-Altering Accident
In June 2023, Stacy’s world changed in an instant. While riding in a Veterans motorcycle event, she was in a severe accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. At the time, her husband was deployed overseas, and her young son was just two years old.
“I had to learn how to be a completely different person, mother and wife,” she says. “But it gave me a new perspective on life. It made me more outgoing and gave me a desire to do more, because life is fleeting and short.”
Recovery brought its own challenges. After months of care across multiple medical facilities and an outpatient rehab program in Chicago, Stacy returned home to a new reality and found that local resources for people with disabilities were limited.
Support from the Altru Family
Returning to work was a major milestone and one made possible by her team at Altru.
“My team has been amazing,” she says. “They raised money, made ‘Stacy Strong’ shirts, stayed in contact during my entire recovery, and welcomed me back with open arms.”
Her physical workspace was quickly adapted with help from Altru’s occupational therapy team, making it fully accessible with automatic doors, an adjustable desk, and a modified restroom.
“Accessibility in the workplace means independence to me. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to work again but Altru made sure I could come back and feel like I never left.”
Crowned Miss Wheelchair North Dakota
In 2025, Stacy became only the second woman in North Dakota’s history to hold the Miss Wheelchair ND title, an honor she doesn’t take lightly.
“This title allows me to advocate for others with disabilities and show what’s possible,” she says. “There’s a huge need for mental health resources and peer support, especially after traumatic injuries. My goal is to create mentorship programs and partner with local organizations to make those supports more accessible.”
Stacy’s platform focuses on visibility, empowerment, and education. She wants others navigating life-changing injuries to know that they are not alone.
“I want to show people that you can still participate in the things you love, that there are resources out there, and I’m here to help you find them.”
Advice from Someone Who’s Been There
When asked what advice she’d give to others facing sudden life changes, Stacy keeps it real.
“Get mad. Grieve. That’s part of being human. But don’t let the bad days win.”
She encourages others to connect with people who understand their experiences, lean into community, and never be afraid to ask for help.
“Be proud of YOU,” she says. “There’s so much knowledge and support out there—you just have to reach for it.”