In Loving Memory of Anita P. Johnson (“Nina Pener”)

September 25, 1937 – October 16, 2024

Anita Johnson, mother of Dr. Timothy Johnson, President of the National Sports Medicine Foundation, and Dr. David Johnson, President and Founder of the National Sports Medicine Institute, was a beloved member of our community whose life was deeply rooted in compassion, family, and service. Affectionately known to her Cape Verdean family as “Nina Pener,” Anita cherished her heritage and found profound peace when, at the age of 64, she made a life-changing trip to the Cape Verde Islands with her sons, Timothy and Peter. During this journey, she immersed herself in the culture, visiting many islands, including Fogo, where her grandparents were born. The trip allowed her to discover her roots in the homeland her family left behind in pursuit of a better life in New England.

Although health challenges in later years, including multiple fractures that required orthopaedic surgery, prevented Anita from returning to Cabo Verde, her connection to the islands remained strong. Her legacy of goodwill and generosity now lives on through a campaign dedicated to improving orthopaedic care in Cabo Verde.

In honor of Anita’s passion for giving back, we invite you to support the Nina Pener’s Steps to Healing initiative. Your donation today will directly fund the Orthopaedic Surgery “Cultural Exchange” Program, which provides vital surgical training, equipment, and care to the people of Cabo Verde. Donate Now to continue Anita’s legacy and improve healthcare for underserved communities.

The Republic of Cabo Verde, a ten-island archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, faces significant challenges in providing quality healthcare, particularly in orthopaedic surgery. Despite efforts by the government to improve healthcare infrastructure, there is a critical need for surgical supplies and medical education. The National Sports Medicine Foundation (NSMF), in collaboration with the Cabo Verdean American Medical Society (CVAMS) and local orthopaedic surgeons, has been working since 2022 to bridge this gap. Through the Orthopaedic Surgery “Cultural Exchange” Program, NSMF has conducted multiple trips, performing 12-18 orthopaedic surgeries during each visit and providing essential training, equipment, and supplies to local healthcare professionals.

This program, close to Anita’s heart, now continues under the banner of Nina Pener’s Steps to Healing: Orthopaedic Surgery Care for Cabo Verde. It embodies her spirit of compassion and commitment to giving back. In honor of Anita’s enduring legacy, we invite you to make a donation to the National Sports Medicine Foundation. Your contribution will directly support our efforts to enhance orthopaedic and sports medicine care in Cabo Verde, ensuring that the work Anita cared about so deeply continues to impact the lives of those in need.

Together, we can carry forward Anita’s passion for helping others, advancing healthcare in the country she held so dear, and making a lasting difference.

Make a donation in memory of Anita Johnson and help us continue to support the people of Cabo Verde through the transformative power of education and medical advancement.

The National Sports Medicine Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. Save a copy of your receipt to file with your taxes!

EIN: 454584955 UEI: X93CT5N6UF75

To learn more about our initiative check out the full program description, here.