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
In the summer of 2015, I was on top of the world—certified as a mindset coach and yoga therapist, leading a retreat in Costa Rica, and living a healthy, organic lifestyle. But just two weeks after my 34th birthday, my greatest yoga teacher arrived: an aggressive stage 2 breast cancer.
My Guru Cancer Mindset
Instead of seeing cancer as an enemy or battle, I chose to embrace it as a wise teacher, asking myself: How could this be happening for me instead of to me? What is it teaching me?
Cancer has taught me to prioritize self-love, joy, and the present moment. How to ask for support, advocate for my well-being, and find resilience within. I’ve become happier, more grateful, appreciating things big and small. Learning to love my changing body, find humor in dark times, and lean on community, love, hope, and so much more…
After a 2-year rigorous treatment plan (chemo, double mastectomy, radiation, hormone therapy), I was declared physically cancer-free. But my experience showed me that true freedom from cancer is a state of mind.
While in Re-mission
I made big life changes: I left an unhealthy marriage, moved to Colorado, birthed my book baby “My Guru Cancer”, and started a beautiful new chapter! I began dating again - very strange with new body parts - and soon fell in love with a Boulder boy named Tim. A year later, chronic low back pain had me advocating for scans. In May of 2021, I was devastated to learn the cancer had returned, taking up residence in my liver, bones, and some lymph nodes in my stomach.
Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer
I had to give myself permission to feel all the feels and grieve the life I thought I’d have. One day after a tough appointment, I was sitting at the lake at sunset. This overwhelming sense of acceptance arrived – I realized that whether I like it or not… this is happening. While I didn’t choose cancer, I still had a choice: I can fight this reality or embrace it. I wanted to make the most out of whatever time I have left.
So that’s when I renamed my diagnosis: Live the F*ck out of Life! It became my mantra, my mission, and my medicine.
Now, I empower other cancer thrivers through coaching, classes, speaking, and oversharing on social media. (Yeah, I’m that girl wearing a rainbow bear suit, twerking in the scan room ;)
Of course, this journey is full of crazy ups and downs, beauty and heartbreaks, progression and healing. I choose to be grateful for all of it and focus on the blessings, the lessons, the love.
Joining Metavivor’s Mission
MBC research is the ONLY reason I am here today, alive and thriving! And I'd really LOVE to stay this way ;) Yet we've lost too many amazing friends to this diagnosis - including my MBC bestie Brittney Beadle this year. It's heartbreaking and infuriating that less than 13% of breast cancer research funding goes to stage 4, despite it being the only form of breast cancer that can end your beautiful life. When we cure MBC, we cure all of breast cancer...I'm proud to join the #LightUpMBC campaign to benefit METAvivor this year to shine a BIG BRIGHT LIGHT on the need for more funding, more treatment options, and finally a CURE!
Stay Connected with Bethany
Website: www.mygurucancer.com
Social Media: @mygurucancer
Contact: bethany@mygurucancer.com
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!