In the summer of 2020, my friend Emily Powell received a diagnosis that would change her life. The 30-year-old had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her liver, spine, and lymph nodes. The prognosis was 3 to 5 years.

Emily Powell-Heaton passed away from her disease just after her 36th birthday. She spent every minute of those 6 years advocating for research and vlogging about what it was like to live with a terminal disease that many assume is curable.

Emily supported and was supported by the charity "METAvivor" - a nonprofit that exclusively funds research specifically dedicated to Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

While most breast cancer funding goes toward early detection and general research, historically only a small fraction (about 13% between 2014 and 2020) has gone toward metastasis research—even though nearly all breast cancer deaths are caused by Stage IV spread.

The medical breakthroughs, clinical trials, and drug therapies funded by METAvivor’s $37 million in research grants shape standard oncological care worldwide. When a METAvivor-funded study discovers a new way to prevent treatment resistance or manage side effects, those treatment protocols are adopted by oncologists across Canada

Beyond funding labs, METAvivor runs over 100 peer support groups, trains patients to advocate for federal research funding (such as through the Stage IV Stampede), and raises awareness about the realities of living with terminal cancer.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me and I know it would mean the world to Emily!