Rockford alderwoman uses her shocking breast cancer diagnosis to educate others

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Local alderwoman Gina Meeks is using her shocking breast cancer diagnosis to educate the community as she gets closer to remission.

Meeks is part of the American Cancer Society, where they are making strides against breast cancer and encouraging other women to fight for their health.

For 18 months, the alderwoman thought a lump on her breast was just a cyst, but a biopsy in July of 2023 confirmed she was actually in stage 3 of triple-negative breast cancer.

"It's very aggressive. So, treatment has to be aggressive as well," said Meeks. "I was led to connect with UW Carbone Cancer Center and we started chemo."

The aggressive nature of the cancer required more treatment, including a mastectomy performed by Doctor Lacey Stelle.

"I have to be honest, during some of this, during that year I had a lot of moments where I was in a very dark place," said Meeks.

In all her battles, Meeks stays thankful to those who have helped her in this journey.

"I was very grateful for organizations like UW who made me kinda understand that I didn't have to be so hard on myself, this was a time where I could just kinda ask for help and receive that help and receive that support," said Meeks.

Fast forward to today, the alderwoman is now an advocate in the community, encouraging women to take their health seriously.

"If you get into an office with a doctor that you feel isn't hearing you, you might need to find yourself another doctor," said Meeks.

Her doctor also agrees with that sentiment.

"I really encourage all of my patients that if there is any doubt or any concern, even if they just have questions they feel aren't getting thoroughly answered, to seek out a second or even third opinion," said Doctor Stelle. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"Gina was particually strong, she had a very aggressive cancer treatment journey and so she handled that with grace, she has recovered beautifully," Stelle went on to say. "she's willing to go already, even in this short amount of time that's she's been done with treatment, she's already speaking out in the community about her experience and helping to educate women about breast health in general."

While it has been over a year, Meeks does not call herself a survivor just yet.

"I still consider myself a thriver, very happy to soon be a survivor," said Meeks.

Meeks is part of a study with the American Cancer Society, that aims to understand cancer disparities among black women.

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