Christina Lewis's Cancer Journey: Need Your Support

Hello, my name is Christina and I work in the motion picture industry.

My dearest friends and neighbors encouraged me to share my story and ask for help.

I am 58 years old and I never imagined I would be in this position.

My annual breast screening in April 2025

found multiple areas of concern in my left breast.

I’m raising funds for my unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses

as I need financial help for living expenses, food,

and the ongoing medical expenses – which will be approximately $20,000…

far beyond what my husband and I can afford.

Pre-surgery, I’ve already undergone comprehensive breast images, ultrasounds,

two painful biopsies, I’ve seen numerous required cancer specialists,

a breast cancer surgeon and a plastic surgeon.

There are still many more appointments to navigate

before and after my surgery on July 24th, 2025.

Supposedly I am at no higher risk of breast cancer than the average person.

Unfortunately, in May I received my biopsy results;

DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), solid-type with central necrosis

P63: Positive

SMMHC: Positive

GATA3: Positive

ER: 2 - 3+

PR: 1 - 3+

Clusters of micro-calcifications were discovered throughout the breast

and these clusters are each about 5mm and linear distributions are at 24mm,

they are widespread, so it’s difficult to biopsy them all.

My breast cancer surgeon recommends that I undergo a double mastectomy

and breast reconstruction,

plus a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if it has spread further.

My husband Christopher is a IATSE Local 728 CLT

and I work as a motion picture transportation driver.

We haven’t been able to work full-time hours

as the Motion Picture Industry in Los Angeles has been extremely slow in 2025.

As we all know, just In LA alone:

*AI and new virtual technologies have disrupted and displaced many jobs already.

*Productions are still moving out of state due to incentives.

*Top it all off with LA productions that have lost “established locations”

due to the recent fires.

It is a saving grace that we have the relief of being MPI Insured,

but the reality is we’ll be out-of-pocket nearly $20,000

if there’s no complications.

I have applied for State and Federal help and have been denied.

I have appeals filed, but we all know how long that takes and how that might end.

It is hard to have faith in our health insurance system.

Surgeons can charge what they like, from a business perspective,

and the government doesn’t help on the public side of the health system.

It is the financial responsibility itself that is causing us such overwhelming stress.

I need to have both of my breasts removed, a double mastectomy.

This is a emotional mess and it’s overwhelming to process all the information

being delivered with the costs I’m incurring each step of the way.

Honestly, I never imagined I’d be in this position, I’m in perfect health otherwise.

My husband and I would be deeply grateful for any support.

I know there are many other people requiring financial aid,

but in this moment, I feel vulnerable and fragile particularly due to the lack of income that is the result of the current slump in motion picture and TV productions.

This GoFundMe has been set up to help cover:

• Medical and treatment-related expenses not covered by insurance

• Basic living expenses while I undergo surgery and the recovery period after

• Other day-to-day needs, buying me time to heal while I’m unable to work

I really appreciate you taking the time to read my story.

With gratitude, peace and love,

Christophe, Christina and Stitch Lewis

08/07/25 Update

I had my double mastectomy 2 weeks ago.

I am not going to lie, post-surgery has sucked!!!

We underestimated our original costs,

so I've updated our goal.

The good news is

the test results have come back from the surrounding tissues and the lymph they took...

all are negative, which means No Chemo in my future YAY !!!

On another note,

we've used your funds thus far as promised: paying daily necessities and the med bills through June.

We still have numerous doc and oncology appointments, plus breast reconstruction, we have leftover med bills for July and August and haven't been able to pay our August mortgage yet .

I was expecting to be out 2 months, but now it appears it will be 2-3 more from today.

So we're asking for your continued donations to get us through this next hump.

We can't express our gratitude enough for how far you've gotten us thus far.

We are truly blessed with so many people who have our backs.

The sooner we get on our feet, the sooner we can all hopefully get back to work.

Solidarity Strong,

we will get through this.

XOXO

Christina