Breast cancer survivor turns diagnosis into mission to help other women

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- A breast cancer survivor is using her own experience to help women across Southern California get access to mammograms.

Melanie Lewis, executive director of the Pink Journey Foundation, shared her story Thursday at the Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit in Rancho Mirage.

Lewis was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago despite having no family history. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and a preventative hysterectomy. Lewis said having good health insurance and a strong medical team made her realize not every woman has the same access to care.

“I had wonderful health insurance and a wonderful health team that took care of me. And it made me realize not everybody has those same services and I wanted to give back,” Lewis said.

Today, Lewis leads the Pink Journey Foundation, which focuses on breast health education, mentoring and helping women access mammograms.

Through a partnership with Breastlink, the foundation brings a mobile mammography unit into communities, providing no-cost screenings to qualifying women 40 and older. Lewis said insurance is not required.

The program has screened more than 1,200 women in about three and a half years, including women in the Coachella Valley.

Lewis spoke Thursday on a summit panel focused on bringing healthcare beyond traditional clinic walls.

“If my story can help just one person, that’s my goal,” Lewis said.

Her message to women putting off a mammogram: “Get it done.”