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
We were sitting on the couch in her basement, her two young children fast asleep. I was enjoying a weekend away frome NYC, visiting my friend Tami at her house for the weekend.
"I have breast cancer," she told me. It was the first moment we had to catch up all weekend, due to chaos that tends to exist in any house with young children.
"Can you get a mastectomy?" I asked.
"No, it's spread too much."
"I'm running the marathon this year. I'll fundraise for a cancer organization!"
"Barely any of that goes to the actual research," she told me.
I wasn't listening, though. The rest of the conversation was a muted blur. I was internally strategizing and planning what I could do to help my friend have more time with her family.
I myself don't have MBC, but I feel like that interaction is common for people living with MBC: telling people that they need help, and everyone responding in well-meaning ways, but not really listening to what people with MBC are telling us they need. Especially in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many people see a pink ribbon and are eager and proud to help in any way that they can - when in actuality, less than 5% of breast cancer funds raised in October (those cute pink razors and pink socks) actually go to breast cancer research.
I initially joined the #LightUpMBC campaign in 2020, when Tami invited me to volunteer as the National Campaign Director. Through the #LightUpMBC campaign, I finally listened to Tami and ensured that the time and energy that I dedicated to volunteering went to an organization that genuinely used its fundraising for research to find a cure and extend the lives of people living with this terminal illness. Through the #LightUpMBC campiagn, I organized and mobilized all #LightUpMBC volunteers across the world to raise awareness and funds to directly support MBC research. I've since had to step down from the national role in order to tend to family responsibilities and my own health issues - but my passion for MBC research and support remains. Through the #LightUpMBC campaign, I've met and befriended many people with MBC - many of which have passed away. I do not have MBC, but I do have friends living with this disease. I don't know want to keep making friends, and then losing friends to the same disease. I dream of a day when MBC is a chronic disease, instead of a deadly one.
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!