Luke Tatsu Johnson was a 16-year old loving son, older brother, loyal friend, accomplished student and athlete, and ultimately brave cancer patient, who lost his battle against leukemia (AML) on June 17, 2016. 

 

Through months of hospital stays, difficult treatments, and intermittent setbacks, Luke faced his illness with the same determination and strength of character with which he pursued all of his challenges.  All the while, he remained the great kid that he had always been – full of good cheer, quick to smile, concerned about others and close to his parents and brother.

 

Luke held himself to high standards and achieved success in his many endeavors.  He was a straight A student, even during his freshman year, which he completed while enduring difficult chemotherapy regimens. During his remission, Luke worked tirelessly on his golf game and enjoyed long hours at the driving range and on the course.

 

Luke lived his life with meaning and grace. He exemplified his Japanese middle name, TATSU, a mythical dragon of great wonder, bravery, and strength.  Throughout his two-year battle, Luke consistently demonstrated his own special type of courage, power and excellence. 

 

Luke’s story inspired a broad array of supporters – Team TATSU – which included friends, teammates, and relatives as well as PGA players, professional athletes and celebrities.  It is through this team that loved him, and now through the Luke Tatsu Johnson Foundation, that Luke’s unique spirit will continue to soar, like a TATSU, as a source of courage and grace.