"Humor is one of the best medicines," Johnston said. "You've got to laugh no matter how bad it gets."

In that case, Robinson plays the role of medicine man in Johnston's battle-scarred life. He vowed to his bride-to-be that she would outlive him.

"I'm his biggest fan," she said. "He's absolutely hilarious and a man of integrity. If he says he's going to do something, he does it. It takes a special person to be involved with someone with a terminal illness. There are great people out there who will step up and be there through sickness and in health."

Cancer could have thwarted the relationship before it began, but Robinson said it made them look to the future instead.

"The thing I've learned dealing with her illness is that it makes you appreciate what's important, and that's being together," he said.

Reflecting on the early years of her diagnosis, Johnston marvels at her good fortune. Being with Robinson means she no longer has to survive alone.

"Adversity has a way of doing that," she said. "You're either going to be stronger for it or fall apart, and I think we've become stronger. We are problem solvers as a team."

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Information from: The Galveston County Daily News, http://www.galvnews.com

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