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 name is April Courtright. I am an Illinois state captain and a state ambassador for #LightUpMBC 2023. I am a wife, sister, and daughter. And I am a mother to my 9-year-old son. I was diagnosed with HER2+ Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer at the end of 2019 at the age of 33, shortly before my 34th birthday. I was also diagnosed de novo, which means I was diagnosed with Stage IV from the start and did not discover my cancer previously at an earlier stage. We discovered cancer had spread to much of my spine, pelvis, hip, leg, and ovaries. I underwent chemo and targeted therapies, but unfortunately, those treatments stopped working for me in October 2022. We were shocked to discover many lesions in my brain. I had whole brain radiation, and I am now on more intense chemo. And truthfully, cancer has made life tough for my small family. I have been living with breast cancer in my brain now for the last 3 years, this October.
There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer. I will keep on my treatment until it stops working, and then move on to another treatment until there are no treatments left available. I was stunned to learn that less than 5-7% of all funding from pink ribbon campaigns actually goes towards metastatic breast cancer research. The median life expectancy for someone diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer is 3 years, and our 5-year survival rate is very low. And shockingly, those numbers have not changed in an impactful way over the last few decades, and stories like mine are becoming the norm.
I want to be here and be the mom my son will need in the future.
Our MBC community is in desperate need of research. Research is how we live!
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!