CNN Journalists Remember Ananda Lewis After Her Passing at 52

Ananda Lewis, a former TV host and advocate who quietly battled stage IV breast cancer for years, passed away on June 11 at the age of 52. On June 12, her close friends and CNN correspondents Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner reflected on her life and final days during an emotional on-air tribute.

In a heartfelt conversation, Elam recalled how she, Sidner, and Lewis had once spoken openly about cancer treatment options. While Sidner chose a traditional route — including a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation — Lewis pursued a holistic path, declining surgery and clinical treatments.

“She was at peace with this decision,” Elam said. “She had come to terms with it long ago.”

Elam visited Lewis just a day before her passing and said her condition worsened suddenly. “We thought we had weeks,” she said. “It turned out to be just hours.”

Through tears, Elam read part of Lewis’ final message: “These bodies are on loan and must be returned. We come in love and choose to leave it with love as well.”

Calling Lewis her “ride or die,” Elam acknowledged how deeply personal her friend’s choices were. “She was hard-headed,” she said affectionately, “but she did it her way.”

Credit: People

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