Lexy Mealing is a survivor and mentor in the cancer battle

Westbury breast cancer survivor Lexy Mealing has been honored by the American Cancer Society for going above and beyond the expectations of a volunteer.

Following her initial diagnosis of breast cancer in 2021, Mealing became an “enthusiastic volunteer leader” for the American Cancer Society, according to the Atlanta-based organization. She was recognized for her benevolent efforts this spring with the Heart and Soul Award of Long Island, which celebrates a person who “encompasses the mission of the society through volunteerism,” American Cancer Society officials said.

“Volunteering allows me to give hope to women wherever they are on their journey, and it has also allowed me to heal by just being a mentor for them,” said Mealing, 54, a personal organizer.

Since becoming involved with the nonprofit, Mealing has advocated for other local cancer survivors through speaking engagements in which she shares her cancer journey and the importance of annual screenings, she said. She said one of her biggest lectures was in 2023 before about 500 people at a Manhattan gala hosted by New York Cancer & Blood Specialists.

Mealing has also participated in other American Cancer Society fundraisers, including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; Relay for Life; and Red, White and Blue Bash events. 

Farmingdale resident Yashika Stewart, 45, who said Mealing was assigned as her care counselor through the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, praised her efforts.

“What makes her such an effective leader is her pure heart, her beautiful spirit and the depth of her knowledge,” Stewart said. “She went above and beyond to make sure I was supported every step of the way.”

Mealing, who was diagnosed with Stage 1A HER2-positive breast cancer in 2021, opted to have a double mastectomy and a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, in which doctors used her own abdominal tissue to reconstruct her breasts, she said. That was followed by 12 rounds of chemotherapy, and a second and third breast reconstruction.

Mealing is also involved with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the society’s nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, and is an ambassador for VOICES of Black Women, a population-based study through the society that focuses on “understanding and improving the health of Black women,” she said. In addition, she is on the planning committee for the nonprofit BreastReconstruction.org.

“Her voice has inspired others, leveraged change and ultimately has saved lives,” Katie Schafer, executive director of the American Cancer Society of Long Island, said in a statement.

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.