Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis Dies at 52 After Cancer Battle

Ananda Lewis, former MTV VJ and activist, passed away at 52 after a long battle with stage IV breast cancer, choosing a holistic approach to treatment rather than traditional methods like double mastectomy. Her close friend and CNN anchor Stephanie Elam shared a poignant final text from Lewis expressing acceptance of her fate and love for friends, saying, 'We all go. These bodies are on loan and must be returned. We come in love and choose to leave it with love as well.' Lewis had hoped to live until her son's middle school graduation, which she did, passing away just hours before the event. Elam, who had known Lewis since college, described her as 'hard-headed' but at peace with her treatment decisions, despite encouragement to try conventional therapies. The rapid decline in Lewis' health surprised friends who thought she had weeks, but she died within days. The outpouring of grief from friends and colleagues highlights her impact as a media trailblazer and beloved personality.