Meet Myra Harris | Executive Director & Founder – Cancer Gave Me Life Foundation, Inc. – A Registered 501(c)(3)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Myra Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Myra, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The principle of integrity is very important to me – you either have it or you don’t. A person with integrity is valued for their reliability, honesty and ethical conduct. Integrity has allowed me (on behalf of my non-profit organization) to make good decisions, while treating others with respect, which has positively impacted the lives of others (i.e., breast cancer patients). This value has also enriched my life, while inspiring others – at the same time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Myra Harris is the Executive Director/Founder of Cancer Gave Me Life Foundation, Inc. (CGML) – based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She brings a personal perspective to her Foundation’s mission, after being diagnosed with Stage 2B – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in June 2020 – during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Myra experienced four months of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy with both nipples removed, emergency surgery from a hematoma, 30 rounds of radiation, three reconstructive surgeries (one of which was 9.5 hours) – along with many side effects – all while still working full-time and feeding a small number of senior citizens.

However, in between reconstructive surgeries, she started CGML, because she cares about people. Myra didn’t have a lot of resources in this area but knew that starting this organization and giving back had been on her heart since chemotherapy, but God stepped in, and the rest is history. She was able to keep her commitment with the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation and secure support from corporate sponsors in a very short period of time.

She is most proud that her organization is thriving, which includes some huge milestones in only two years. This includes donating 580 Love Bags; hosting a Breast Cancer Luncheon for 40 patients receiving treatment, being featured on numerous platforms (blogs, magazines and tv); and receiving financial and in-kind support from several corporate sponsors. She has also been blessed to speak on various platforms throughout the country regarding breast cancer to include being the Guest Speaker at the Blacks in Government (BIG) – Department of Education – Black History Month event, where she was referenced as a “History Maker – making a difference right now” – by sharing her survivor story, to include the importance of living life to its fullest and creating a legacy.

Myra was also diagnosed with Osteopenia in October, which is a side effect (decreased bone density) from Exemestane, which is a daily cancer hormone therapy used to block new cancer cells. However, this diagnosis is not stopping her from living and loving life. She is traveling the world and scratching off countries on her bucket list. Myra’s motto is “Cancer Gave Me Life”, as it gave her patience, perseverance and resilience. To other breast cancer patients and warriors, please stay strong and encouraged, of course with God’s mercy and grace!! And please don’t give up!!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You cannot visit Charlotte (the Queen City) without experiencing:
RH Rooftop Charlotte, Hestia Rooftop, LaVictoria Mexican Restaurant, Shake-Shake Seafood and Midwood Smokehouse

We’ll make sure that we partake in the following activities:
Charlotte: Pedal-Powered Pub Mixer Tour – pedaling through the city and meeting people
Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour through downtown Charlotte
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience
Topgolf

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to first thank God for his mercy and grace, for bringing me this far on my breast cancer journey, as I am one year out from remission and also for giving me the strength and tools to bring my non-profit into fruition. Secondly, I would like to thank Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation for taking the time to listen to my partnership pitch in 2022 – in support of breast cancer patients at their facilities. Without their partnership, my organization would not have made the impact it has thus far in the Charlotte community. Last, but definitely not least, I’d like to thank my donors – both in-kind and financial, along with my family and friends, as I could not have made the impact without each and every one of YOU!!

Website: https://www.cancergavemelifefoundation.org