Tina's Treasures: a legacy of support
In a world where healthcare can often feel impersonal, Tina’s Treasures stands as a shining example of how a simple act of compassion can make a profound difference. Located at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, this wrap-around program of personal care was founded by Tina Johnson, a breast cancer survivor herself, and is dedicated to providing emotional, mental and physical support to women navigating their own cancer journey. What started as Tina’s dream to ease the burden on women undergoing treatment has now grown into a movement that’s changing lives.
Clementine “Tina” Johnson was the heart and soul of this initiative with the compassionate drive to help other women find the safe and personalized care they needed when facing such an identity challenge.
In her early years, Tina was surrounded by the love and support of her husband and children. Craig, her son and now executor of the Johnson family philanthropic vision, describes how his parents were always active in the community, making sure their community and other families had the resources they needed to live a quality life. Tina’s passion for helping others was clear to everyone around her, but it was only later in life that her vision of Tina’s Treasures began to take shape.
In 1979, a pivotal moment in Tina’s life set her on the path to create something truly special. As she watched women, including herself, navigate the emotional rollercoaster of cancer treatment, she realized that there was a significant gap in the support they received. While physical health was being treated, the emotional and mental strain often went unaddressed. There was a need for a space that offered not just medical support, but also a sense of belonging and comfort.
“I remember as a child going shopping with my mom after her mastectomy, only I didn’t know what had exactly happened,” recalls Craig Johnson. “And Mom would always leave the stores in tears because they didn’t have the specialty clothing she needed. So that direct experience of not being able to get support or supplies is what kicked off her idea for Tina’s Treasures. She didn’t want others experiencing this sense of isolation.”
Tina’s Treasures opened its doors as a place where women could come for more than just medical assistance. It became a sanctuary — a boutique offering wigs, breast prosthetics and the kind of personal care that makes a woman feel like herself again, even when she’s facing the fight of her life. But it was never just about the physical items; it was about offering a sense of hope and compassion in a time of uncertainty.
“Mom really made this happen. She had a great sense of purpose and philanthropy,” Craig states, with clear admiration. “My dad, having served as board chairman for the hospital and foundation, knew how healthcare worked and supported her dream into a reality.” Craig recalls his mother’s unwavering strength, showing how she was able to navigate through obstacles with grace and determination. Even when life presented challenges, Tina’s heart was always in the right place, and she knew how to make people feel special.
Craig is well aware of the overwhelming anxiety many women feel after cancer treatments.
“Anxiety is so strong, especially after treatment. To walk into a place like Tina’s Treasures, where you’re not just getting a prosthetic or wig, but also a personal touch — it’s incredible,” he says. “You’re greeted by someone who’s happy to see you and ready to help. It’s like getting fitted for a wig, but with the added comfort of someone sitting down with you, combing it out and giving you the time and attention you deserve to look a little like yourself again.”
The emotional support that Tina’s Treasures offers has always been a key part of the mission.
For Craig, it’s about honoring his mom’s legacy but also her care for the lives of others.
“That personal touch can help women feel stronger. It helps them get through their battle with cancer,” he says. “Those little things help ease the anxiety and make them feel better, and that right there can help them win the fight.”
Thanks to Craig, Tina’s Treasures is now expanding to the new HonorHealth medical campus in Peoria, home to an expanded Cancer Care location. The excitement surrounding its opening is already making its way across the community. The new boutique will offer the same level of care and personalized attention that has been the cornerstone of the organization’s success. The Peoria opening is expected to feature a more extensive healing experience, further elevating the sense of community and support for those who need it most.
“The Peoria Tina’s Treasures will also offer personalized fittings for mastectomy bras, breast prosthetics and wigs. However, this location will also feature the dedicated Craig W. Johnson Wellness Suite, that houses a genetic counselor, dietitian and social worker,” states Judy Herrera, Boutique Supervisor. “This aligns with HonorHealth’s vision to provide comprehensive care in one convenient location, making it easier for newly diagnosed patients to access the support and services they need without the burden of traveling to multiple appointments.”
Additionally, at the HonorHealth Peoria location, cancer patients have access to Infusion, Imaging Center, Physical Therapy, and more, further enhancing convenience and continuity of care.
As for the Peoria opening, Craig is eager to see how everything will come together.
“I’m looking forward to the grand opening,” he says. “It’s a brilliant idea that came together with the HonorHealth team and I’m excited to see it come to life.”
Tina’s Treasures may have started as a small act of love, but it has grown into a beacon of hope for women everywhere. By providing not only the physical resources they need but also the emotional and mental support, Tina’s Treasures continues to change lives one woman at a time. And as Craig continues to carry on his mother’s legacy, it’s clear that Tina’s Treasures is a powerful testament to the trifecta of compassion, care and family.
This story originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Reflections of Honor.