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 (MBC) is misunderstood, and wildly underfunded. There is no cure, just treatments. It never goes away. Almost 40,000 men and women die of it each year. This is what METAvivor is fighting to change.
Each year, 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer. Six to ten percent of these diagnoses are metastatic, or stage 4. My beautiful friend Jody was diagnosed ‘de novo,’ which means the first-time cancer was detected, it had already metastasized beyond the breast. 30% of all breast cancer patients will metastasize – maybe immediately or maybe 30 years down the line.
Jody lived with stage 4 breast cancer since her de novo diagnosis in December 2017 until she was taken from us in April 2021 mere weeks before her 43rd birthday.
Science has very few answers why cancer metastasizes and we don't have an effective treatment to arrest metastatic growth.
Breast cancer fundraisers are everywhere, but most of the money raised goes toward breast cancer prevention and early detection efforts. Very little of it, only 2-3%, is dedicated toward research for Stage IV, metastatic breast cancer.
I repeat: there is NO CURE for MBC and early detection will NOT prevent this disease from metastasizing to the bones, liver, lungs and brain.
If we can find a cure for MBC, we can end death from breast cancer.
METAvivor was very important to Jody because it funds vital research to help improve the longevity and quality of life for MBC patients through a scientific peer-review process. And METAvivor ensures that 100% of donations goes toward supporting grants for #MBC research.
On Jody's journey, she was supported not only by her family and friends but also new friends who she met through this shared diagnosis. Those friends supported Jody in a way many of us could not and this fundraiser is also in honor of those who are still waiting, and hoping, for a cure.
I will continue to raise awareness and funding for METAvivor in Jody’s memory, for those living with MBC and those who worry about moving into that 30%.
Thanks so much for your support.
And in the words of Rod (her favorite), in my heart, you'll always stay forever young.
Love you.
#cancersucks #dontignorestagefour #stagefourneedsmore #fckcancer
Once she was diagnosed with MBC, Jody *hated* October. Pink everywhere. "What about MBC?" she would say, "Where's that awareness?" She found #LightUpMBC and suddenly there was less to hate about October.
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!