Care like family: Leanna Lenox's survivor story
When Leanna Lenox received her breast cancer diagnosis in July 2021, her world changed in an instant. As a single mother, the weight of those words was unimaginable, yet Leanna faced the challenge with the same strength and perseverance that define her life.
From the very beginning, Leanna’s journey was marked by courage. Even on her hardest days during chemotherapy, she kept moving forward. Leanna, who is also a colleague at HCA HealthONE Mile High OBGYN and Midwifery — a part of HCA HealthONE, often chose to come to work, not because she had to, but because staying active gave her a sense of purpose and control in a time of uncertainty.
For Leanna, the care like family approach she and her colleagues provide to every patient took on a new meaning. Her colleagues watched with admiration as she balanced motherhood, treatment, and her role at work with remarkable grace. She never asked for special treatment. She simply wanted to keep living life on her terms.
Care that made a difference
Behind Leanna’s strength was a team of compassionate experts at HCA HealthONE who guided her through every step of treatment.
From advanced oncology care to emotional support, she experienced firsthand what it means to have a healthcare partner that treats the whole person, not just the disease. Her care team provided personalized treatment plans, offered innovative therapies, and unwavering encouragement, ensuring she never felt alone in her fight.
Victory and hope
In June 2022, Leanna heard the words she had been fighting for: cancer-free. Today, she stands as more than a survivor but also as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her story is a powerful reminder that breast cancer touches every part of a person’s life, but recovery is about more than survival — it’s about reclaiming joy, purpose and pride.
Why Leanna’s story matters
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S. (excluding some skin cancers). According to the American Cancer Society:
- An estimated 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in 2025, along with 59,080 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form.
- About 42,170 women in the U.S. will die from breast cancer in 2025.
- A woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about one in eight.
- The good news: Breast cancer death rates have fallen by 44% since 1989.
- Yet disparities persist — Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer and face more aggressive subtypes.
“Pay attention to your health and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself,” says Dr. Kayla Griffith, a breast cancer surgeon with HCA HealthONE. “Too often, women prioritize caring for others and put their own well-being last. But the truth is, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential. You can’t fully care for others if you’re not taking care of yourself first. That includes making time for important screenings like mammograms.”
Take charge of your breast health
Early detection saves lives, and regular screenings are one of the most powerful tools you have.
If you’re due for a mammogram, have a family history of breast cancer or simply have questions about your breast health, our breast health specialists are here to help. Schedule your screening or request an appointment today.