Every day 117 people in the U.S. die of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as Stage 4, where the breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Funding MBC research is the only way to find a cure!
ABOUT ME
My cancer journey began in 2012 when I found a lump in my breast while working out. The diagnosis was Stage 3, HER2-positive, hormone positive breast cancer. I went through 16 weeks of various chemotherapy drugs followed by a lumpectomy. I hoped that since the tumor had shrunk from the size of a plum to that of a pencil eraser, I’d be good to go. Unfortunately, cancer cells were found in the surrounding tissue, so I had a full mastectomy and then five weeks of radiation. I was feeling good, taking anti-estrogen pills daily, and life moved on.
Then came a tremendous shock at the end of 2020. After going to the emergency room for upper abdomen pain that I thought was an ulcer, a chest scan revealed that the breast cancer had spread to my liver and pleural fluid on the right side of the lung. The diagnosis was incurable metastatic breast cancer, HER2-positive, now hormone negative. I had another round of harsh chemotherapy with Docetaxol, Herceptin, and the newest addition, Perjeta.
Today I am alive because continuing research and trials found Herceptin combined with Perjeta as an effective treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. It is not a cure, and I do not know how long it will work for me, but I hope for many years. Metastatic breast cancer patients like me live with a lot of uncertainty about our life span.
I am supporting METAvivor because it is dedicated to funding research for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. I hope that through the critical research it funds, MBC will move from being a terminal illness to a chronic, manageable disease, or even better, a cure will be found.
In the US, only 2-5% of all cancer research funds are dedicated to Stage IV cancer research – yet 98% of all breast cancer deaths are caused by a metastasis. Please help us change those dire statistics. And thank you for your support!
WHAT IS #LightUpMBC ?
The #LightUpMBC campaign is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) research to benefit METAvivor. Held annually in October, the campaign partners with hundreds of iconic landmarks around the world to illuminate in the symbolic MBC awareness colors of green, teal, and pink. By uniting patients, families, and supporters, #LightUpMBC shines a spotlight on the urgent need for more research and resources to improve outcomes for MBC patients.
#LightUpMBC Live is a dynamic virtual event that serves as the centerpiece of the #LightUpMBC campaign, bringing together the metastatic breast cancer (MBC) community and its supporters for an evening of storytelling, inspiration, and impact. Hosted annually on October 13 on Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, this live-streamed program features powerful stories from MBC patients and their families, musical performances, and appearances by special guests who amplify the mission of raising awareness and funds for MBC research. #LightUpMBC Live provides a platform for education and advocacy, highlighting the urgency of funding scientific breakthroughs for the most advanced stage of breast cancer. For more info on how to watch, get involved, or view the list of participating landmarks, please visit www.LightUpMBC.org
TAKE ACTION TODAY
Follow @LightUpMBC on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to our campaign!
Use #LightUpMBC and #METAvivor tags in all social posts to help raise awareness.
Support METAvivor Research and Support by making a donation through this page, and be sure to share with friends!
Thank you!