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!
At 33, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. At 37, Stage 3. And at 44 - in June 2022 - a node in my lung led to a Stage 4 diagnosis. We need research. We need a cure.
ABOUT ME
My name is Michelle Ward. I'm a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur, a daughter, a friend - and I'm living with metastatic breast cancer.
In 2011, life was pretty much on hold as my husband and I were trying for a baby.
But while we were taking my dream trip to the Grand Canyon, I felt a shooting pain in the shower. It led me right to a large lump in my left breast that wasn't there a few week ago when I had an exam. When I got home and followed up with my doctors, I was told not to worry: feeling pain is never a sign of cancer, as is such a large lump in such a short amount of time.
Until it was.
I knew my body, and I knew that something was wrong. And so the day after Thanksgiving of 2011, I received my Stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis. I was 33.
I had 2 lumpectomies, 4 rounds of chemo and a "boobal removal", as I like to call my bilateral mastectomy. Being Stage One, treated by world class doctors in NYC and having stellar insurance through my husband's job, I knew I was lucky and well taken care of. I thought it was just going to be a tough year that we would have to get through.
But in September of 2015, I was surprisingly diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. By then, our daughter Ramona was here, and just 1 1/2 years old.
In the year that followed, I had the lump and all of my lymph nodes removed under my left arm, went through 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 15 rounds of radiation, and then had my ovaries removed as a precautionary measure.
I went into remission and surpassed the important 5 year milestone. But in June 2022, my routine annual scan showed a node in my lung. Due to my history and practicing extreme caution, I underwent surgery and got the results - it was malignant, and it was a breast cancer recurrence.
That meant a Stage 4 diagnosis. And while I'm grateful that there is currently no evidence of cancer in my body, I continue to take chemo medication, get monthly injections, and receive scans often. I will be treated for metastatic breast cancer for the rest of my life.
At 45, I fear that I won't be around to see my sweet and spunky 9 year old grow up, graduate college, get married, or have kids of her own - or whatever she chooses to do as an adult. I fear that I won't get to grow old with my husband. I fear that I won't get to continue on with the work that I love to do. I fear leaving my mother without her daughter.
By fundraising for METAvivor, I know I fuel the fight for a world without metastatic breast cancer, and better ensure my own future. Whether you donate for someone you’ve lost, someone who’s survived, for a relative, for a friend, for yourself, or for our children’s generation, THANK YOU for joining the fight!
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.
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Thank you!