I'm raising money for #LightUpMBC to benefit METAvivor.
Every day, 117 people in the U.S. die of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). That's Stage 4, where cancer has spread beyond the breast. Funding research is the only way to find a cure.
ABOUT ME
My beautiful friend Jody was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at 38. We had been friends since we were 19. I always assumed we had decades ahead of us, the kind of friendship where you're still laughing about the same stories at 70. Instead, our lifetime of friendship ended at 42.
Jody died in April 2021, just weeks before her 43rd birthday. On April 25, 2026, we marked five years without her. On May 20, we should be celebrating her 48th.
Jody was diagnosed de novo, meaning Stage 4 from the start. Thirty percent of all breast cancer patients will eventually metastasize. MBC is responsible for nearly all breast cancer deaths, yet globally only 13% of breast cancer research funding goes toward MBC. The rest funds early detection, which cannot stop this disease from spreading to the bones, liver, lungs and brain.
There is no cure. Only treatments. People would ask Jody when she'd be done. The answer was never. The medications weren't curing her. They were keeping her alive.
In the US alone, over 43,000 people die from MBC every year. Globally, that number is 670,000. People like Jody are largely invisible in the public conversation about breast cancer, and that has to change.
METAvivor mattered deeply to her. When October turned pink and MBC felt invisible, she found #LightUpMBC and had a little less to hate about the month.
METAvivor focuses exclusively on Stage IV MBC, funding research, advancing federal policy and building community for patients. 90% of all gifts to METAvivor go directly to MBC research grants.
Until MBC is curable, I will continue to be a fierce advocate in Jody's memory, in honor of those living with Stage 4 and in support of early-stage survivors who worry about a recurrence. Please donate. Every gift brings us one step closer to a cure.
In the words of Rod, her favorite: in my heart, you'll always stay forever young. Love you.
#cancersucks #dontignorestagefour #stagefourneedsmore #fckcancer
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!