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
Metastatic Breast Cancer is tricky. It found a way around my first line of treatment and grew new tumors in my liver and bones. Now I'm on a new treatment and praying this chemotherapy will keep the cancer at bay for longer (treatment being tolerable would be a blessing, too!).
My cancer journey started in 2015, just before my 57th birthday – I found a lump in my right breast. After a mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries, and several years of hormone therapy, I thought I was cured.
But I was wrong.
Five years later, we discovered the cancer had spread to my liver and bones. Cancer is sneaky that way. It looks for ways to travel to other parts of your body. This time I heard the words "metastatic" and "stage 4" and "there is no cure."
This "life sentence" crushed me and my dreams of working until I could enjoy a long, active retirement with my husband Phil. It threatens my assurance of spending cherished time with my adult children, extended family and friends. In its place are questions like "how long can I live on the available treatments?"
My first-line of treatment (a targeted therapy that didn't exist until just a few years ago) was effective in shrinking my tumors; and I'd begun living a "new normal" of always being on some sort of cancer treatment.
Last fall, my cancer found a way around the treatment. I developed new tumors in my liver and bones. We started on a new treatment plan -- it's a chemo drug being used in new ways based upon innovative research into how drugs can get into the cancer cells. The extreme fatigue can be overwhelming, but it is tolerable, and I'm praying it will extend my life.
That's why I support METAvivor and #LightUpMBC. Critical research funding might lead to better treatments for me and so many others. And who knows ... maybe even a cure!
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!