The way I try and live my life after my cancer journey is through stillness, and with gratitude and kindness to others. This is the kind of practice that I would want to share.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Donna Lewis.
Multi-platinum recording artist Donna Lewis captured hearts worldwide with her timeless love ballad, “I Love You, Always Forever” which topped global charts and remains one of the most iconic love songs of all time. This year marks a poignant milestone, not just in Lewis’ career but in her personal life. Intended to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her hit in 2021, Donna’s journey took an unexpected turn with a breast cancer diagnosis. Through the healing power of music, Donna Lewis and acclaimed producer Holmes Ives channeled adversity into artistry, creating an album that resonates with hope and resilience.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
The path that led to ‘Rooms with a View’ came about while I was undergoing breast cancer treatment. The writing and creative process became my therapy, and my music was a lifeline.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
We all make mistakes when we are starting out on whatever career path we choose. I can’t recall the funniest to be honest. I just learned that you never become good at anything unless you make mistakes.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Be true to yourself. Just make music you love and go out and do as many live gigs as you can. This is how you learn your craft, and the hours of practice and working with different musicians makes you a better musician.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
There have been a few, but I do feel that my father, who just recently passed away, was an incredible man who gave me the gift of music, nurtured my talent, and introduced me to so much great music that led me down the path I am on.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I’m sharing my breast cancer story through this music as I do want to help people going through the same experience as I did and help them to stay positive. I am part of the “Making Strides” movement for Breast Cancer, where I’m using my platform to raise awareness and support for breast cancer survivors and research.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
I’ve always been a breast cancer supporter because my mum is a breast cancer survivor, but going through this myself and seeing the problems with regular screenings and quick diagnosis, plus women not being able to afford the cold cap to help not losing all of their hair made me want to spread awareness even more.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
It’s only when you are diagnosed with breast cancer that you start talking to other women that have gone through a similar diagnosis. So many women I’ve spoken with all have their own story, but we are united as one.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
I feel that there needs to be a much quicker turnaround from having a mammogram to ultrasound to biopsy. All women should be able to have a mammogram and ultrasound on the same day, and if there is something suspicious, then to be able to have a biopsy days later. There’s too much time waiting in between. Also, while undergoing cancer treatment, every woman should be able to use the cold cap to save losing their hair if they wish. I was lucky I was able to use it at my hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering, but most hospitals don’t offer it and it costs the patient $2500 to buy the cap. Most people just cannot afford that added cost. I’d love to see that change!
Why do you think music in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
Music has this amazing power of bringing people together and giving us an experience of being less alone. Music gives hope to anyone going through a dark tunnel.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
It’s difficult for me to pick 5!
I spent years starting out in the music business learning my craft and doing endless hours in cover bands and piano bars, so I learned from my own mistakes and experience.
Here are 4:
Believe in yourself
Don’t be influenced by people wanting to change your music if you love it yourself.
Just be you.
Surround yourself with a great team of people who know who you are and will do the best for you.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
The way I try and live my life after my cancer journey is through stillness, and with gratitude and kindness to others. This is the kind of practice that I would want to share.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
‘You learn more from failure than success.’
All the disappointments and failures that I had at the beginning of my career taught me everything about myself. By the time I got my first record deal, I had already found my voice and knew exactly what kind of record I wanted to make.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would love to sit down with Kris Carr.
I feel that she’s such an inspiration to so many people, especially those who have gone through cancer and loss.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Donna Lewis Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.