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

My official day of diagnosis was July 17, 2018. This date will always be burned like a stamp into my brain. This is the day I was told by SCIENCE that I had breast cancer. But for those that don't know how it all started... let me share. I Was 34 years young (now 37) and I’m from the friendliest cotton pickin' town of Taft, Texas. I WAS a registered and certified Dental Assistant of over 14 years. I am a mother to my handsome 18 year old son named Samuel Oran Cruz. I am not married but have a wonderful supportive boyfriend of 10 years and counting.

My journey started by having pain from my right lower rib area to my left chest/ boob area late June 2018. They were small tight pains (like a zap) that came and went randomly throughout the day regardless of what I was doing. They were most significant while at work as I was assisting my boss (Dentist). I would get a zap pain. A pain that was enough to catch my attention. It was a sensation that was NOT normal .....but enough for me to be concerned and say “O shit what is that?” At first, I didn’t think much of it. Thought at first it was possibly heartburn but then the dramatic side of me was like “oh shit I’m having a heart attack!”

I gave it a week hoping it would go away but everyday they continued. One night about 1 week into it, I started to get a pain at night that got really bad on my right rib side. It hurt to the point that I was unable to touch my ribs. Felt as if they were bruised. The pains were similar to those of having menstrual cramps that ran into my back....but curling up in a ball did not relieve the pain. I finally convinced myself to go see the doctor but every-time I was thinking of going I had no symptoms. So like most people I ignored it. I had insurance but I worked and it seemed as if I never had time to go. It wasn’t until one (Friday) in which I worked half a day that I finally had the pain and said to myself .... I better go. I convinced myself to check in at TLC down the street of where I worked and where I usually went because I did not have a primary doctor. I called Joel my boyfriend and told him that I was going to get checked out and for him to please meet me there. I had the norm .....blood work. It showed I was dehydrated and they hooked me up to IV lines. The Blood work also showed I was low on potassium and results turned out that the pain in my rib side was stool.

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!