Joanna’s Story: Rising Above Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Survivor Hikes Mount Kilimanjaro to Fund Radiation Equipment in Tanzania

By day, Joanna McKinney is an educator, dedicating her energy to shaping young minds as the principal of Bingham Farms Elementary. With 25 years in education, she is also a devoted mother of three boys and a passionate advocate for underprivileged populations, working tirelessly to connect communities with vital resources. Her personal life is deeply intertwined with Africa, as she and her husband have two sons adopted from Ethiopia. Over the years, she’s built a strong connection to the continent, and much of her philanthropic work has focused on supporting African communities.

In the summer of 2023, Joanna embarked on an adventure of a lifetime—an ambitious hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Climbing the highest free-standing mountain in the world, a daunting, multi-day trek at high altitudes, requires professional guidance. With the help of a skilled team of guides, Joanna successfully reached the summit. Little did she know these guides would play a crucial role in her journey once again, but this time, it would be in the fight for her life.

A routine mammogram signals concern

As principal of a busy school, Joanna only has the month of July off. She spent this time in Tanzania in the summer of 2023 and in doing so, she was several months overdue for her routine mammogram. When her sister looked into a suspicious lump and needed a biopsy, Joanna was reminded to prioritize her health. "After returning from the summit, I scheduled my mammogram, which turned out to be abnormal. In January of 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer," Joanna says. "I had just climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and felt like I was at the top of my game physically and mentally. I had no symptoms. I couldn’t believe it.”

Turning to Henry Ford for breast cancer treatment

Once diagnosed, Joanna researched her treatment options carefully, wanting to make an informed decision. After hearing positive recommendations from friends, she chose Henry Ford Health for her care. "As an educator, I value thorough research. When I walked into Henry Ford, I immediately felt that I wasn’t just another patient—I felt seen, supported, and cared for. It felt like the right place for me," she shares.

After meeting with a team of clinicians, Joanna’s treatment plan included a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. But as she processed her diagnosis, Joanna found solace and unexpected support from the very guides who had helped her reach the peak of Kilimanjaro. Despite being halfway across the world, her guides stayed in touch, sending encouraging messages and funny videos of them doing snow angels on the mountain. "Their support was such a blessing," she says. "It brought light to an otherwise dark time and reminded me that I was not alone."

A triumphant return to Mount Kilimanjaro

Joanna's treatment journey was not easy, but she faced it with determination. After undergoing surgery and completing her radiation treatments in April of 2024, she celebrated her final treatment in a truly remarkable way—by running 10 miles from Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital to her home in Beverly Hills. "It was an inspiring way for me to mark the end of this chapter," Joanna explains.

Throughout this journey, Joanna continued her focus on helping others. Through a connection with Henry Ford’s radiation team, she returned to Mount Kilimanjaro in the summer of 2024—this time with a mission. With the help of her guides, she was able to summit again. But with the help of her immediate community, she was able to raise $5000 for Radiating Hope to help purchase radiation equipment for the patients who get treatment at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center.

"When I returned to Mount Kilimanjaro, I brought with me a Tibetan flag. The flag had the names of breast cancer survivors and people who had passed," she explains. "As I raised the flag on the mountain, it felt like they were being lifted, even though I was the one climbing. It was a powerful moment of closure for me."

Continuing the mission

Joanna, who will continue to be monitored at Henry Ford as part of her follow-up care, is determined to raise awareness about breast cancer, particularly in Africa, where early detection and treatment options are often scarce. "I feel so fortunate to have access to world-class care," she says. "This experience has only strengthened my resolve to partner with communities and organizations to raise awareness and support others who aren’t as fortunate."

Early detection: A life-saving decision

Joanna’s breast oncology surgeon Jessica M. Bensenhaver, MD, who serves as director of the breast oncology program at Henry Ford Health explains Joanna’s case was discovered early, by mammogram, which is key. “It was found before she could have ever felt that something was there. This early detection is what allowed for early intervention, the best possible outcomes, and ultimately Joanna’s ability to continue with her important mission.”

Joanna expresses her experience has brought challenges and gratitude in her journey. “I feel very fortunate to have the excellent care and resources offered to me through my treatment at Henry Ford,” Joanna emphasizes. “This experience gives me more reason to partner with communities to raise awareness and lift others that aren’t as fortunate.”