CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Myra Harris was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Since then, she founded Cancer Gave Me Life Foundation and partnered with Charlotte Fire Department to give out toys, self-care kits, and other comfort items to 250 patients across Novant Health's system.
Admittedly still on her breast cancer journey, she said she never gave in to cancer and continued to work. Part of her completed treatments include chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation, both breasts being removed and three reconstructive surgeries so far.
Through it all, Harris said her mission with her foundation is to help others on similar journeys.
She told WCNC Charlotte's Jane Monreal she didn't want anyone to feel like they were alone in their experiences.
"I said 'Lord, if you help me to get to the other side of my journey, [I'm] going to start an organization to bless people and allow them to know people genuinely love them and care about their well being,'" Harris recalled the prayer. "Cancer really gave me life. It pushed me to live my best life."
Rashanna Smokes' family said the giveaway is a huge burden lifted.
Smokes is currently pregnant with twins and already has two young children, including an 11-month-old named London who has sickle cell. Her family deeply appreciated meeting Harris.
"It means a lot because of everything that we have going," Smokes said. "I appreciate everything y'all are doing right now. We have to come here especially when she is sick or has a fever. We have to make sure she doesn't have a crisis."
Harris said it's a blessing to know her efforts are making a difference in people's lives.
"I am still on my journey and to know that it is being well received, that to me, is my Christmas gift," Harris shared. "The smiles on the kid's face. The parents wanted to give me hugs. That means more to me than any Christmas present I could even imagine. "
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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