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Connie watches Sam's acceptance speech on an iPhone with friends. Picture: Love Your Sister/Facebook
THIS is the heartwarming moment that Samuel Johnson’s sister Connie, who is battling terminal cancer, found out her brother had won his first Logie Award.
Wearing a bright scarf on her head and huddled around an iPhone, surrounded by supportive family and friends, Connie sobbed as she watched Johnson dedicate his Best Actor Silver Logie to her.
Connie crossed her fingers before the announcement was made and cheered and her brother’s name was read out, then wiped away tears as he used the national platform to encourage Australians to donate money towards cancer research.
“My sister is succumbing finally to the perils of cancer after a three decade long tussle and rather than rolling over, she’s going out blazing with an attempted world record for the
longest line of coins, absurdly,” said an emotional Johnson as he clutched his award.
“On behalf of my beautiful sister Connie, who I dedicate this award to, I would like to urge any family watching affected by cancer or not to join us in our quest to keep our families safe from the terrors of cancer.
“LoveYourSister.org or Love Your Sister on Facebook. I love you, Connie, I love you.”
Johnson established the charity in the wake of his sister’s diagnosis with terminal breast cancer at the age of 33. She is now 40.
Over the years, Connie’s treatment has included a double mastectomy, as well as chemotherapy and radiation. She also underwent various treatments for bone cancer aged 11, and a tumour in her womb at 22.
"We did it!!! GOLD! Love you Sam, love this village! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!" Picture: Love Your Sister/FacebookSource:Facebook
The video of Connie celebrating has already been viewed almost 650,000 times since it was uploaded last night. Thousands of wellwishers have commented on the post, offering their support and encouragement.
“Connie you are such an inspiration to all who is suffering this terrible disease,” one woman wrote, while another said the pair epitomised “sibling goals”.
“The love you both share is palpable and so special. Thanks for letting us in to your lives and for sharing your joy and pain,” they wrote.
Others shared stories of their own battles with cancer.
“I lost my Mum only a week ago to this hideous disease. Well deserved Samuel you are an absolute legend and a big shout out to the palliative care nurses who are amazing and make it a little bit easier for us,” one woman wrote.
Connie was touched by Sam's kind words. Picture: Love Your Sister/FacebookSource:Facebook
Last year Johnson revealed he was retiring from his 25-year acting career to concentrate on raising $10 million for the charity.
But when news.com.au asked Johnson about his biggest career regret following his Logies win on Sunday, he said it was his decision to retire.
“Retiring ... well, at this stage anyway. It’s like retiring the year you win the Brownlow,” he joked. Regardless, he says he will stick to his guns.
“Yeah I have to, totally. I’ve made a promise to 380,000 Australians and I swore that I’d stick with them until we raised this $10 million and we’re nearly at $5 million, so I’m hoping that I can bring it home really quick and get back to work.
“But as long as it takes. It took us seven years to make it halfway so by that maths I’ll be away for another seven years.”