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!

MORGAN STANLEY BALTIMORE EVENTS

Join Morgan Stanley Baltimore in supporting Metastatic Breast Cancer Research through 2 annual events - Bake for Good (October Date TBD) and the Metavivor Walk (October Date TBD)
Wear Pink and "Bake for Good" (October Date TBD)

In Memory of Jane Holbrook (Mother of Morgan Stanley Employee)

Written by Kim Fletcher, Baltimore Office, Morgan Stanley

My mom, Jane Holbrook, passed away from metastatic breast cancer at age 59. Her fight with breast cancer began in her mid to late 40s while my sisters and I were still in various stages of school. After undergoing surgery and several successful treatments, she enjoyed 9 years of remission with the help of some maintenance drugs and consistent monitoring. After this period, when symptoms of metastasis presented themselves and cancer spread throughout her body, she continued fighting (often a silent fight) for about 3 years while continuing to work full time and raising us into early adulthood.

Her doctor proudly referred to my mom as his longest living patient until treatment options became ineffective. In this time, she stressed the importance of early detection and advancing technology to make sure that we, as her daughters, would be on top of our own future health. She learned to advocate for herself with various doctors and made sure we understood some of the harder decisions she had to make.

While my mom came to terms with her own mortality throughout her journey, what often gave her hope and strength to keep fighting was striving to be present for personal landmarks and family events. She centered her life around our family, including my dad and 2 sisters. Birthdays and holidays mattered and were important celebrations. She did not want to be remembered for her cancer or final days, but for the life she lived in between her fight. She found time to record family history through genealogy research, helped her aging parents with various tasks, and highly valued her family relationships. She left lasting memories for us, often remembering her fondly for her quirky sense of humor and contagious laughter.

Over a decade later (she passed Oct 2010), thanks to continued research efforts, there are more treatment options available. However, the average life expectancy upon diagnosis still remains 2-3 years. I support Metavivor through #LightUpMBC because their fundraising goals solely support research to improve the outcome of metastatic breast cancer, which is the only kind of breast cancer considered terminal. More funding for research provides more hope for metastatic breast cancer patients to enjoy a better quality of life and have more time with their loved ones.

Sarah Harrison's Story - Early Stage Breast Cancer

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in May 2023. My son had just turned 1 and I had celebrated my 40th birthday just weeks before. At the time of my initial diagnosis, scans revealed my tumor was still less than 2cm and appeared to be localized. Following removal of the tumor, I was upgraded to Stage 2A as a small amount of cancer was found in a nearby lymphnode. After my surgery, I completed 4 rounds of chemotherapy, 19 rounds of radation and 17 rounds of immunotherapy. Genetic testing revealed I had no inherited gene mutations though coincidentally, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer just 3 months after me (our mom is also a survivor). In August 2024, a new scan revealed there was no new evidence of the disease but I continue to be closely monitored by my care team. I take a daily pill for the next 10 years and receive monthly abdominal injections for the next 5 years which help decrease my hormone levels to try and keep the cancer at bay.

I am lucky to be in the care of some incredible doctors, surgeons and nurses and am incredibly grateful for my amazing support system including my husband, son, parents, sister and extended family. In my case, my cancer was found early when I still had options but organizations like METAvivor are so incredibly important to help fund research for MBC. With your help, we are hopeful a cure can be found and offer women at all stages the chance to survive and thrive!

Kelly Mahindra's Story - Metastatic Breast Cancer

Hi! I am a 45-year-old wife of a Morgan Stanley employee. I am a mother, daughter, sister, friend, pediatric pulmonologist and Stage 4, metastatic breast cancer thriver. I was nursing my daughter 5 years ago and felt a lump that seemed like a clogged duct. I had persistent back pain and after a thorough work up was found to have breast cancer in multiple bones and my liver. I was treated with chemotherapy, but my cancer progressed to my lungs and brain. I participated in a clinical trial which helped for the past year but just started a new medication because my cancer continues to grow. I pray it works to kill the cancer cells in my body so I can see my babies grow up and graduate college. Please consider donating so we can find a cure and turn stage 4, metastatic breast cancer into a chronic illness rather than a terminal illness.

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!