3-Time Breast Cancer Survivor Leads Faith & Hope Event

When Lisa Stewart Spears received her first breast cancer diagnosis in 2005, her children were still in high school and the news felt like a punch to the gut. Today, after surviving the disease three times, she's using her voice to light the way for others walking the same difficult path.

Stewart will headline the KDMC Foundation's annual Think Pink event on October 20 in Brookhaven, Mississippi. The free gathering starts at noon and celebrates the theme "Honoring Strength and Celebrating Life."

The Eupora grandmother worked as a county agent for Mississippi State University Extension Service through all three diagnoses in 2005, 2008, and 2015. Each time, cancer returned to the same location despite reconstructive surgery.

Stewart chose an aggressive treatment approach during her first battle, receiving chemotherapy every two weeks instead of every three. She pushed through what she calls "the yuckiness and the baldness" during that summer, determined to beat the odds.

Her fight became even more personal when genetic testing revealed she and both her daughters carry a BRCA2 gene mutation. This mutation dramatically increases the lifetime risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

In 2014, Stewart's oldest daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 27 years old. She's now a survivor too, adding another chapter to their family's story of resilience.

Why This Inspires

Stewart credits her Christian faith as the foundation that kept her standing through every diagnosis and treatment. "I cannot imagine having a cancer diagnosis and not having faith in Jesus Christ," she said.

She hopes her message reaches both survivors and their caregivers with proof that positive outcomes are possible. Whether speaking at events or simply living her daily life, Stewart shows that faith and community can carry people through their darkest moments.

The Think Pink event will include informational services focused on early detection, prevention, wellness, and healing from 11 a.m. to noon. Attendees can honor loved ones affected by breast cancer through a Walk of Honor, writing names on pink ribbons and placing them on a Tree of Honor.

The KDMC Foundation is also asking the Brookhaven community to "Light It Pink" throughout October with pink porch lights, yard signs, and ribbons. King's Daughters Medical Center has already illuminated its building with pink lights.

Stewart's story proves that hope isn't just about surviving—it's about thriving, even when cancer keeps knocking on your door.