President /Founder

---

Myra Harris is the President/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 has experienced four months of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy with both nipples removed, emergency surgery from a hematoma, 30 rounds of radiation, six surgeries (three of which were reconstructive - and one of them lasted 9.5 hours), all while still working full-time. Myra states “I didn’t tell my colleagues about having breast cancer, as I didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me or think that I couldn’t perform my job.” I stayed focused and didn’t allow breast cancer, to have any power/control over my life and livelihood.

While still on her breast cancer journey and in between reconstructive surgeries, she started CGML because she cares about people. Myra was by herself during chemotherapy treatments and multiple surgeries. She stated, “just knowing that no one could be there in person to support me during the hardest battle of my life was indescribable and a feeling I wouldn’t want any person to endure.”

She also partnered with the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation in August 2022 and has donated over 500 Love Bags to breast cancer patients at the Novant Cancer Institute and sick children at the Novant Hemby Children’s Hospital and St. Jude's Affiliate Clinic at Novant Hemby Children's Hospital, with the help of the City of Charlotte Fire Department. In 2023, Myra implemented a new initiative, “Myra Cares”, which will grant wishes for breast cancer patients (18 and over) whose life expectancy is 12 months or less. This initiative’s focus is to help patients find peace and closure with the blessing of a final wish, while creating precious memories with their loved ones – however, this program is contingent on funding. 

However, throughout this entire journey until now, Myra believed and had faith in God that there were new possibilities coming her way and wanted to share her joy with other breast cancer patients. She wants them to know that there can be a tomorrow, but while you’re on your journey, let’s make it a little brighter.

Myra’s new motto is "Cancer Gave Me Life", as it gave her patience, perseverance and resilience. Stay strong and encouraged, of course with God’s mercy and grace!!! And please don’t give up!!!