Sara Sidner on losing Ananda Lewis to breast cancer-and facing her own reconstructive surgery: ‘How am I doing? I don’t know…’

Jun. 13, 2025 – 03:16 – As we continue to mourn the loss of Ananda Lewis, journalist Sarah Sidner—who considered Lewis a close friend—opened up to us about the toll of that grief, especially while fighting her own battle with breast cancer. “I can’t really explain the tornado of emotions… Losing Ananda… was just a reminder of not only the deadliness that cancer can still med out, but also that it does it to Black women more… 38% more likely to die if you’re a Black woman who gets breast cancer,” Sidner said. She shared that her fight isn’t over—she still has one more major surgery ahead and will remain on medication for years to come. But the emotional weight of that journey is just as real. “There’s a mental component of this… and I think everyone has to recognize it—no shame, no blame.” We see you, Sarah. We honor Ananda. And we continue to say: early detection, honest conversations, and collective care can save lives.

TheGrio Weekly with Natasha Alford

Sara Sidner on losing  Ananda Lewis to breast cancer-and facing her own reconstructive surgery: ‘How am I doing?  I don’t know…’

Sara Sidner on losing Ananda Lewis to breast cancer-and facing her own reconstructive surgery: ‘How am I doing? I don’t know…’

Sara Sidner  discusses, documentary,  “The Simril(l)s:  A Family in Black and White” - ‘there is talk of reparations’

Sara Sidner discusses, documentary, “The Simril(l)s: A Family in Black and White” – ‘there is talk of reparations’

T.D. Jake’s says Black churches should teach economic empowerment: “God doesn’t make chairs - He makes trees”

T.D. Jake’s says Black churches should teach economic empowerment: “God doesn’t make chairs – He makes trees”

Bishop T.D. Jakes wants to help Black entrepreneurs build wealth-and he’s using the Good Soil Forum to reach them

Bishop T.D. Jakes wants to help Black entrepreneurs build wealth-and he’s using the Good Soil Forum to reach them

Bishop T.D. Jakes Explains Vision for Black Economic Growth Via Good Soil Forum

Bishop T.D. Jakes Explains Vision for Black Economic Growth Via Good Soil Forum

Masters of the Game: Kandi Burruss

Masters of the Game: Kandi Burruss

‘Black Heat’ movie aims to shed light on sex trafficking—and the parents who fight back

‘Black Heat’ movie aims to shed light on sex trafficking—and the parents who fight back

Masters of the Game: Fawn Weaver

Masters of the Game: Fawn Weaver

Why shoppers are ditching  Target for Costco:

Why shoppers are ditching Target for Costco: “I wanted them to stand up”

Masters of the Game: Pinky Cole (Clip)

Masters of the Game: Pinky Cole (Clip)

Masters of the Game: Pinky Cole

Masters of the Game: Pinky Cole

Rokeya Worthy - Interview - Student loan payments are doubling after court blocks Biden-era programs: “I’m sick”

Rokeya Worthy – Interview – Student loan payments are doubling after court blocks Biden-era programs: “I’m sick”

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Natasha S. Alford is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker and media executive driven by the power of storytelling. TheGrio Weekly with Natasha S. Alford reports the latest in news, culture and entertainment.