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
Life comes at all of us fast. I’m a wife, mom to three amazing daughters (15, 13, and 8), and a professor. I’m also a daughter, a sister, a family member, and a friend. Just two years ago, I was in the best shape of my adult life, celebrating professional milestones, and convinced life couldn’t possibly get busier. But I was also deeply tired in a way I couldn’t explain. Like so many of us do, I pushed through, there was simply too much to do. And then, I found a lump.
In February 2024, I was diagnosed de novo (from the very beginning) with triple-positive metastatic breast cancer, an incurable disease, after my very first mammogram. MBC is hard. The first response to a breast cancer diagnosis is often, “I’m so glad you caught it early,” or “You’ve got this.”. There is no easy cancer. But for those of us with MBC, there is no “early” and no finish line. What followed my diagnosis was a whirlwind of appointments, biopsies, surgeries, treatments, and emotions. Cancer has changed the way I move through life. Since then, I’ve had chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and a hysterectomy with ovary removal. I remain on targeted therapy, endocrine treatment, and bone-strengthening medications indefinitely, or until side effects become too toxic. While I am thankfully stable on my current line of therapy, living with MBC means progression will come, and I will be in treatment for the rest of my life. Fatigue, neuropathy, pain, and brain fog are daily challenges. My immune system is weakened, and my vision has started to deteriorate. Despite these struggles, I am lifted every day by my husband, daughters, family, colleagues, friends, and students, who remind me to keep choosing joy and love. I’m still here. I’ve made peace with my diagnosis, and my goal is to enjoy life and the beautiful people who fill it.
Connecting with the MBC community has given me strength, showing me the resilience and hope that carry us forward even in the hardest circumstances. I feel called to support others walking this journey. If you are living with MBC too, please know you are not alone. This community has been one of the greatest sources of strength in my life, and I’d be honored to walk alongside you as we share our stories, lift one another up, and hold on to joy wherever we can.
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!