Metastasis is what kills cancer patients, but research in this critical area is woefully underfunded compared to the magnitude of the problem. METAvivor is a grassroots organization that is raising support for laboratory research directly targeting metastasis. They also provide support for patients living with metastatic cancer. Perhaps as importantly, they have begun to shine a light on the growing number of patients living with metastatic cancer -- their real problems, challenges and realities. METAvivor solicits advice from experts to assure that their research grants are going to the best possible science. They do all of this with a minimum administrative overhead. In short, if I want money going directly to metastasis research, this is the place I send my contribution!!
METAvivor Research and Support is a transparent, patient-centered organization that puts 100% of every donation toward stage VI metastatic breast cancer research. It is an organization that addresses the urgent needs of the metastatic breast cancer community.
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I have spent my career in non profit management and feel that METAvivor is a true, transparent and mission driven organization that focus on patients, patient needs and advocacy.
As a stage IV metastatic breast cancer survivor, I am happy to support METAvivor because I know that their main mission is to provide much-needed research funding and educational support to help find a cure for stage IV breast cancer. As a volunteer for METAvivor, I feel very proud to represent an organization which has a wonderful reputation within the community that is committed to raising funds for research, to help extend the lives of everyone living with metastatic breast cancer.
As a patient living with metastatic breast cancer I can honestly say that Metavivor is the only organization out there that is 100% devoted to MBC patients. They provide peer to peer support to patients around the country and donate 100% of all donations to very much needed MBC Research. I have held fundraisers for them and been in contact with researchers on the receiving end of their generous grants and have heard nothing but positive feed back.
Metavivor provides comprehensive information, education and most importantly, 100% of donations go directly to fund metastatic research. There are no murky administrative costs, they offer full transparency.
METAvivor provides education and peer to peer support for metastatic breast cancer patients (those whose breast cancer has spread to other parts of their body/incurable). They are a grassroots organization that funds research that will extend life and ultimately end death for people with MBC. They are the only organization where 100% of donations goes towards metastatic breast cancer research.
METAvivor is truly an awesome organization with fabulous volunteers working very hard to transition metastatic breast cancer from terminal to chronic yet manageable. 100% of every contribution goes to fund MBC research.
I learned of this organization through my sister who has metastatic breast cancer. Our family absolutely embraces Metavivor's mission of funding basic research for metastatic disease, the type you die from! 100% of the donations received are used to fund grants for this research. This is early research...the kind that eventually becomes a medicine that can prolong time to progression or quality of life in metastatic patients. The kind of research that academic MDs and PhDs think up but then have to find funding to pursue. These grants are vetted by a volunteer panel of highly qualified researchers. I have learned that there are many more promising grant requests than there are grant funds. Please consider giving to this wonderful cause!
I have been a volunteer for METAvivor Research and Support for 10 years and I continue to be impressed with the organization. The leadership - many of whom have metastatic breast cancer (MBC) - is very focused on the mission to extend the lives of those living with MBC. 100% of donations go to peer reviewed research, which is the most important thing to those of us living with the disease.
METAvivor Research and Support Inc. is the only Metastatic Breast Cancer organization that strikes the perfect balance between funding Research, Advocacy and Support. Being for patients by patients keeps critical MBC issues at the heart of everything they do. As someone newly diagnosed, I was so grateful to find METAvivor Research and Support Inc. and have been so impressed with everything they do.
In 2015 my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 36. It was devastating. After we went through the panic process everyone seems to go through, we started researching what it would take to treat the disease. We came across Metavivor. Their commitment to making the disease a chronic manageable disease instead of a terminal one immediately caught our attention. The women and men who work for the organization do it because they are passionate about making a difference. None of the board is paid and all of the monies they raise go toward research (except for any sponsorships that help pay for overhead). 100% of donations going to making metastatic breast cancer a chronic manageable disease--there is no where else I would rather send my money and support. Patrick Quinn
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In 2015 my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 36. It was devastating. After we went through the panic process everyone seems to go through, we started researching what it would take to treat the disease. We came across Metavivor. Their commitment to making the disease a chronic manageable disease instead of a terminal one immediately caught our attention. The women and men who work for the organization do it because they are passionate about making a difference. None of the board is paid and all of the monies they raise go toward research (except for any sponsorships that help pay for overhead). 100% of donations going to making metastatic breast cancer a chronic manageable disease--there is no where else I would rather send my money and support.
This is one for the FEW breast cancer originations who utilize 100% of every donation for MBC research. I know the I donate a dollar to METAvivor, a dollars goes into the research bucket.
I had early stage breast cancer in 1995 & 2001, then diagnosed with stage 4 in 2014. Who knew you can still get breast cancer with no breasts. I didn’t. Once I was diagnosed, I knew I had to learn - how do live with this everyday. This was different. I was crying every day, how do you move forward. Luckily I have a Metavivor Group near me and there I met others with Mets and it gave me hope. I met women Living with this 5, 10, 12 years and one just hit her 20th year with Mets. It gave me hope. It’s also a place where you can cry, laugh, vent, talk about anything. I also appreciate the fact that Metavivor uses 100% of their donations to Metastatic Breast Cancer research. Metavivor is doing so much good and I have learned so much about MBC and have become a patient advocate. Metavivor was my saving grace. Thank you.
I'm a proud supporter of METAvivor. It feels so great knowing that 100% of my donation is going directly toward critically important research in an often overlooked area. I've also learned so much from the information on METAvivor's website, enabling me to be an even more effective advocate. I know that when I donate to METAvivor, I'm making a difference!
To CJ and the rest of the team: keep up the awesome work!! I'm proud to support your organization.
I was first made aware of METAVIVOR by my dear friend, Kara Guzzetti who was working with them as a volunteer and as a woman living with metastatic breast cancer. She passed away three years ago from the disease and I now look to participate in METAVIVOR events in her honor and to hopefully bring more research opportunities. They are an amazing organization and it is exceptional that 100% of all of their funds goes towards research. They are about action and results. I feel like they are one of the few voices out there speaking up for metastatic breast cancer and they are doing an amazing job!
I had a fundraiser for METAvivor in memory of my friend Kara Guzzetti and I had the honor of meeting CJ and Patti from the organization who came to the event. They brought their energy, compassion, and knowledge with them. Most people do not know that Metastatic Breast Cancer does not have to be a terminal disease if we can support research to turn it into a chronic one.
I am a stage 4 metastatic breast cancer patient, and I believe that METAvivor is one of, if not the the best, non-profit out there. 100% of every donation goes to stage 4 research, which is what is actually going to take death off of the table for all stages of breast cancer. In addition, METAvivor is extremely easy to work with (I have volunteered with them) and everyone at the organization is dedicated and kind. I can't recommend them highly enough, either as a resource for someone with MBC, as a place to volunteer, or as a non-profit to raise money for.
When I was diagnosed with stage 4, Metastatic Breast Cancer in November 2014, I was crying every day. I knew I needed to find others with what I had and wanted to learn from others, how do I live with this now. Luckily a nurse referred me to METAvivor. It was my saving grace, to find a group where I could talk about the hard truths, cry, vent and laugh and learn from others. Now it’s been 3 years, and I still attend our bimonthly coffees, in addition also I have become an advocate for MBC and understand the other role of Metavivor. The fact that 100% of donations to Metavivor goes towards metastatic research, makes me hopeful for the future and others who will be diagnosed, to find new treatments to extend the quality of life for us who have MBC and who will have MBC and not going into salaries but much needed research. Thank you.
This organization changes lives and provides hope for those living with MBC by directing 100% of donations towards much needed research.
Great volunteer non profit that uses 100% of donations for research. Peer reviewers analyze research grant requests. Innovative catalyst for the metastatic breast cancer community.
We are always happy to donate to METAvivor, as we know that 100 percent of our donation will go directly to Metastatic Breast Cancer Research. Their peer review grant process insures that the very best research will be funded. With 30 percent of breast cancer patients (both men and women) ultimately metastasizing, it is very sad that only 2 - 5% of research funds are allocated to help the already metastasized patient. We are very aware of breast cancer, lets put some funding to research for metastasis.
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Metavivor is one of the non profits that we support annually. All money goes directly into research for metastatic disease. Metavivor has been a leader for support, advocacy and fund raising for metastatic breast cancer. The research done as a result of Metavivor's grants will directly or indirectly lead to progress in all metastatic cancer. Each year they innovate many new ways to raise funds for this worthy cause. Well done, and keep up the good work!
Review from Guidestar
METAvivor is the only 501c3 in the United States that gives 100% of donations to stage IV metastatic breast cancer research!! They also have a nationwide peer to peer support group, the annual Stage IV Stampede in Washington DC to lobby legislators for more research funding, and the Sea to Sea campaign to spread awareness of MBC! Thank You for all that you do for the metastatic breast cancer community!!
METAvivor is an outstanding organization that funds peer-reviewed cutting-edge metastatic breast cancer research and also offers caring patient support. METAvivor truly puts patients first. Scientists support METAvivor!
This is the bestwebsite and cancer support/research organization on the web. I have had metastatic breast cancer since March 28th 2011. I haven't seen as much activity towards research and education as I have in the past year. All largely due to metavivors social media campaigns. More people are truly aware of metastatic breast cancer and its sad statistic because of the activity of metavivor during breast cancer awareness Month. It is the first time I have had hope in these last four years. Thank you guys for raising money for research and making the public truly more aware
Review from Guidestar
As someone living with Metastatic breast cancer, Metavivor is an organization that is helping spread awareness for my type of disease. I hope that with their advocacy and grants for research leads to finding a cure so that I may live.
Review from Guidestar
I have friends with breast cancer and support them - and I know they are at risk for metastatic disease. I know of others who have died from metastatic breast cancer and left behind loved ones who needed them - a teenager with a disability and no one else to provide care, a husband, now a widower. Metavivor has found a niche for an underserved group in the battle against cancer and present a powerful and convincing case for boosting research to help them, while being honest and real, not asking for pity but for a cure or at least treatment to extend life This group shares the strength and support that will let all affected women live to the fullest for as long and as well as possible.
Truly non-profit. All monies go toward research for a cure for breast cancer. MBC is the elephant in the pink room. 30% of Breast cancer patients will go on to have MBC they have a recurrence (stage IV MBC) or are initially diagnosed with stage IV. Only about of 3% of Breast cancer funds go to research for MBC and a cure. Those of us who are METAvivors or Cancer lifers believe we deserve our fair share of research dollars. Don't ignore stage IV. METAvivor is completely staffed by volunteers and all monies go toward research for a cure. Please for my sake and that of the 40,000 plus men and women who die each year of MBC give to a real,non-profit that does what it's mission says. I support METAvivor because I am a Cancer lifer and METAvivor and they support and educate me and thousands of others who have nowhere else to,find support and education.
METAvivor is one of 2 breast cancer organizations I donate to. I have a dear friend with Stage 4 breast cancer and she made me aware of their work. They fund RESEARCH! They are actively working towards a cure, which is what other groups SHOULD be doing! And their ratio of money going directly to funding research is awesome!
I am a five year metastatic breast cancer lifer, and I so appreciate that Metavivor donates all of their proceeds to metastatic breast cancer research. It may not save me, but I love envisioning a world without MBC for my four children. Keep up the great work! Love you guys!
100% of donations to metastatic breast cancer research.
Volunteer run organization
Support, outreach and awareness
Metavivor staff provided me with " The Truth ", so I could pass it on. They appreciated the "truth" work I had begun, never knowing they existed until we gave CJ a ride from the airport to a MBCN conference about five years ago. They continue to offer truth, raise monies for research into Stage IV breast cancer, the stage that kills 111 women and men in the U.S. Every day! No other charity cares enough to give all, 100% of donations to the research that is directed to finding a real cure for the breast Cancer Death Sentence!
Metavivor is the only cancer organization that I support, for many reasons, among them because they do such a fantastic job of both supporting victims of this cruel disease, and they uniquely fund research to fight it. Having watched my mother undergo treatment for breast cancer, as well as too many dear friends, it is not an option for me NOT to support worthy organizations searching for a cure. I choose to support Metavivor because they are so effective in what they do; because metastatic breast cancer is NOT supported by most fundraising fighting breast cancer, thus Metavivor's unique role vs metastatic breast cancer; because they provide support for women whose situation many people mistakenly think has already much support; because of their transparency, so you know that your dollars go where there is the most need (to the researchers); because of their educational efforts that clarify the issues simply and effectively, and finally and of great importance, seeking out and funding the best researchers who are searching for cures for this deadly disease.
On their website (metavivor.org) they run an excellent video, full of information that most people, even those with breast cancer themselves, are not aware of. Hard-hitting, factual and with a message that should change the course of breast cancer research funding, these women of Metavivor.org (and associated men) support an under-served population, people whose situation is misunderstood for the very reasons explained so well in this video! This is an organization that deserves everyone's support, for the sake of all of our wives, mothers, daughters and granddaughters, aunts, cousins, and our future.
Great organization filling a real need. Led by "metavivors", the organization is focused on fighting the disease and helping those who are fighting it. Unlike many nonprofits, it is not caught up in trying to have the splashiest brochures, coolest office, etc. As a donor, it is refreshing to know that donations are actually used for the purposes intended.
Review from Guidestar
Metavivor is a wonderful organization that stands out from other cancer related nonprofits. I am amazed at the hard work, quality of work, and dedication each of member of this organization contributes in order to raise awareness and fund research directly related to metastatic breast cancer. I look forward to following this organization to see the amazing things it continues to do.
Metavivor fills a dearly-needed role in making sure metastatic breast cancer gets the attention and research it needs to help the 150,000 Americans who are living with MBC. The staff is living with this disease themselves, so they understand all too well the urgency and importance of Metavivor.
Review from Guidestar
As a breast cancer surgeon, I am asked to support many breast cancer related non-profit organizations. Metavivor is at the top of my list. They are one of the few organizations providing support to individuals as well as researchers who focus on metastatic breast cancer - these women are not well represented in clinical trials and research efforts. In addition, they are extremely transparent regarding where the donations are going. For these reasons, I will continue to support Metavivor and would recommend that others do so as well.
Review from Guidestar
Metavivor is a nonprofit organization that supports people living with metastatic breast cancer. 100% of the proceeds go to research. Unlike Susan G. Komen. I donate exclusively to Metavivor in the hopes that metastatic disease will be part of our past.
Susan Rahn
Review from Guidestar
METAvivor is the only national organization that exclusively supports research that benefits patients living with metastatic breast cancer through a peer-reviewed grant process. 100% of every donation made to METAvivor goes directly to research. Thanks to volunteer efforts and direct sponsorships, not one penny of donations are used for overhead. I love that.
This is a very accepting organization that counseled & supported me when I was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at the age of 32 & continue to support me to this day. I have 2 very young daughters & the women of the group have helped me throughout the many hardships I have endured. My breast cancer spread to my liver, skin, lymph nodes, & brain. i have been on chemo since diagnosis & also had surgery & radiation. each time i was connected to someone in the group who had gone before me - told me what i can expect & the truth about side effects. They have also given me the opportunity to make a difference in the world. They connected me to the right people & recommended me as a patient advisor. I have been able to share my story through their guidance. Every time I do I am encouraged & uplifted by hope. This organization is the key to research & ultimately a cure to stage IV breast cancer.
Review from Guidestar
This outstanding organization has put metastatic breast cancer on the map and in the consciousness of the public, literally from the grassroots. METAvivor started as a local program and, through the sheer determination and dedication of its founders and volunteers has developed quality programs, amazing outreach, and steady, growing fundraising.
Review from Guidestar
I recently co-chaired a luncheon for this great organization. After attending the luncheon last year and meeting one of the nonprofit’s co-founders, who while very ill, made sure that she worked to make the luncheon a success, I was very inspired to help. Metastatic breast cancer research is distressingly unfunded for the most part. What METAvivor is doing to raise funds and raise awareness is exemplary. The spirit and dedication of this group made me proud to be a volunteer for them.
METAVIVOR as an organization that has shown tremendous respect for the metastatic breast patients by being an advocate for those whose voices may not be heard due to the overwhelming attention given to the breast cancer community who are not Metastatic. They have committed to helping those whose disease has progressed and are fighting to ensure that research continues for those whose outlook may be more challenging.
By working with us in the community they have made it easy to partner with them in building fund raisers that will benefit metastatic patients and help get money for research and provide a hopefully longer, enjoyable, productive life for the metastatic patient and bless their families with more time and love.
A wonderful organization, helping patients have a wonderful outlook on the future.
Doug McGuire
Review from Guidestar
I have watched this grassroots organization since its inception and have seen these women with metastatic breast cancer work tirelessly and without any compensation I might add, make funding for metastic breast cancer a reality. What they do for one another and the Metastatic Breast Community as a whole is remarkable. I applaude their determination.
Review from Guidestar
As a genetic counselor, I know that one can make all the right lifestyle choices, do all the recommended screening and/or surgery and sometimes still not avoid metastatic breast cancer. Metavivor is completely dedicated to women with metastatic disease. This organization puts 100% of donations towards funding research that pursues new insights, new protocols and new results. One phone call to them will convince you that they keep up to date so that they can make the best decisions about the allocation of funds, and support the women who come to them for hope.
J.H., LCGC
As a nurse, I know and hear the stories of women with metastatic breast cancer, and I know the place to send them. Metavivor understands what they are going through like no one else. They help fund the research that makes a difference an support the women, who need it most and who are the most neglected. They give the patient the respect, information and support that can truly make a difference in their lives now, while funding the research that will make a difference in the future.
This is an amazing organization, professionally run by volunteers. Because of this they are able to give 100% of donations to metastatic breast cancer research. Leadership is mostly by people with metastatic breast cancer. This is such an important issue that is often overlooked by traditional breast cancer organizations. The research Metavivor funds is critical for women with MBC.
Review from Guidestar
It is an honor to work with such amazing people who are committed to the cause.
Review from Guidestar
I am a volunteer working with patients/families on the journey with breast cancer. Unfortunately and often overlooked are those who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The unbelievable, dedicated and energetic members of METAVIVOR have been instrumental in gaining funds to support research to change metastatic breast cancer from a terminal disease to a chronic disease that can allow for the journey to be long...NOT short-lived. I have known many of the members of this group and, in addition to their tireless work, they have had to deal with the emotional challenges of watching their members succumb to this dreaded disease. Please go to METAVIVOR.ORG and offer help to eliminate this terminal disease which can affect anyone of us!
Review from Guidestar
I am a medical anthropologist, health educator and administrator, working with metastatic breast cancer patients for the past 7 years. I know of no better organization for metastatic cancer patients, than Metatvivor. Their commitment to funding research which will benefit the stage IV patient, and their total volunteer status, gives me complete confidence that my personal donations will do the most good. But in addition to funding research they provide direct , hands on support and care with knowledge, grace, and practicality. I am confident when I refer a patient to them, that they will be well taken care of. And I myself turn to them for up to date and practical information about options for treatment and the relevance of programs I might be considering. This is not the kind of organization that spends more time promoting itself than looking for solutions or giving support, but rather the kind you want when you or your loved ones need guidance. I give them my highest recommendation. Kathryn Devanny, MA, MPH
Review from Guidestar
This organization is run by an amazing group of professionals - all volunteer and all extremely accomplished in their fields. Their professionalism and tireless dedication is reflected in the success of this very worthy charity .
So far, I have been one of the lucky ones: a woman whose breast cancer was caught early and treated successfully. But my heart goes out to my sisters who are not so fortunate. METAvivor has been in the forefront of raising money for research into this woefully underfunded disease, metastatic breast cancer. The organization is run completely by volunteers, and you'll never meet a more competent, dedicated group. I cannot thank them enough for the efforts they are putting into extending and saving the lives of so many women. We all know the odds: 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
Review from Guidestar
This dedicated non-profit group is focused on helping men and women with metastatic breast cancer. They understand the physiological, psychological, social and spiritual impact of metastatic breast cancer. The volunteer leadership of this group is working to increase options to prevent and treat metastatic disease. Articulate and professional, the leadership has presented to Congress, as well as outreached to the public. This non-profit organization is stellar in their mission and approaches it with integrity and conviction. MOK
Review from Guidestar
In the midst of so much pink hype, especially every October, it's hard to find a breast cancer charity that has a meaningful impact on the national stage, which does its work with integrity, and which is responsible, accountable and transparent to donors. METAvivor is all of that! As a 100% volunteer group, every penny is available to fund critical research to support scientific study that will directly benefit those of us living with metastatic breast cancer.
Good to see this organization get the support it needs to continue serving those with Stage IV cancers. Please donate. The money will all be for research.
Despite having Metastatic Breast Cancer we as a community do not feel represented by the general Breast Cancer organizations. It is though they don't want to bring the "true" statistics to light and if we are around they would have to explain the truth about our disorder eg roughly 30% of early stage breast cancer patients will progress to Metastatic(stage IV) cancer and 8-10% start with MBC that means the approx 40% will have MBC AND that is a VERY different picture to the PINK story that says BC has a 90% cure rate. Metavivor advocates that 30% of funds should go towards MBC research. this is the stage where people die!!! Stop the metastasis= stop the deaths!! NO BODY DIES from EARLY STAGE BREAST CANCER!!!
To find an organisation that is so transparent about everything it does is quite frankly surprising, even in the non-profit world. I have metastatic breast cancer and we need to be noticed and accepted, especially by the breast cancer community as a whole who usually ignore our existence as we are not pink fluffy "survivors". We don't fit into the Pink Survivor scenario although uur plight is used to raise funds that do nothing to help or benefit those who have MBC. It is as though there is nothing between early stage breast cancer (which is survivable) and End of Life. Well, THERE IS, and METAvivor is the only group I know of which is dedicated to the life of these men and women, and to finding treatments for us. 30% of the "Early Stage Survivors" will develop metastatic disease and METAvivor is actually doing something to help them when they cross over the divide between SURvivor and METAvivor.
Metavivor is dedicated to stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer Research and is dedicated to placing a spotlight on metastatic breast cancer which kills nearly 40,000 a year; approximately 30% of breast cancer patients with breast cancer develop MBC-cancer that has spread beyond the breast. The Metavivor organization's analysis of cancer organizations from the western world suggests that only 5% of total cancer research funding goes towards metastatic disease. Unfortunately, metastasis can happen to anyone, at any stage of the disease making additional research funding and patient support services critical for stage IV patients in a time when the efforts of fundraising are geared towards early prevention and detection and because of this, stage IV is cast in the shadow-"Out of sight, out of mind" MBC IS the worst nightmare of every patient with breast cancer but so little funding is given to save so many lives-MBC is fatal so lets work together to make a change, our lives are depending on it!!!
Metavivor is an organization dedicated to funding research for metastatic breast cancer. Everyone at the organization generously VOLUNTEERS their time. I am a blogger and an advocate who is extremely involved in all issues surrounding breast cancer. There are so many different organizations all competing for donor dollars. It is so important to be sure our donations are being used wisely. If you are looking to put your money into research to stop breast cancer deaths, this is where your donation should be sent. I know of no other organization whose sole mission is to see that the most "ignored" breast cancer patients, the ones who will likely die of the disease, are properly served. Metastatic research is sorely underfunded and Metavivor is spreading that message, too. They are doing everything right and should be held up as a model for all other organizations. They embody the meaning of grass-roots advocacy. Metavivor isn't just the name of a non-profit, it's a group of dedicated and devoted people working tirelessly to seek change. They are most worthy of any and all donations sent their way. The potential is there for Metavivor to be more than life-changing... they will be life-SAVING and nothing is more important than that.
I have worked as an editor in the magazine business for more than 20 years in California and Maryland. In fact, I was the editor of a magazine in Palm Springs that focused on philanthropy and good causes. In all those years, I never personally joined any of organizations I covered until I encountered METAvivor. They have such a clear, unclouded mission. There's nothing superfluous or nonessential in their efforts and campaigns. They are going to change the lives of people with Metastatic Breast Cancer. And I want to be there to help.
Not many people realize that metastatic breast cancer is almost always incurable, and that up to 30% of all breast cancer patients die from metastasis. That's more than 40,000 people every year in the US alone! Furthermore, metastasis is usually not discovered until years - even decades - after the initial diagnosis, surgery, and treatment, leaving hundreds of thousands of patients with years of uncertainty. Metastasis research is critical to improve breast cancer death rates, yet it is difficult and slow. METAvivor brings together patients, advocates, and experts to get accurate information to the public, and to raise money to fund important research specifically on breast cancer metastasis.
METAvivors is dedicated to raising the awareness of what metastatic breast cancer is and to raising fund to research metastatic breast cancer. I've read newspaper articles and seen t.v. reports featuring METAvivor leaders. As a metastatic breast cancer patient I've received phone calls and emails of encouragement, information, and meetings. Thank God for METAvivors. Three cheers!
I have been privileged to be a part of METAvivor since 2008. During that time I have been amazed at the progress made by this dedicated group of volunteers. Everyone works very hard to keep expenses down, and to raise money for our annual research grant(s). We are always happy to share details about our organization. Read more about us at www.METAvivor.org.
Review from Guidestar
Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivors volunteer as the brains, energy, and workers of the METAvivor family. They understand that over 90% of cancer patients will die from metastatic disease. They understand that about 30% of cancer patients will be told that their cancer has spread to other parts of their body. They understand that only a small percentage of research money supports research to understand the how and why a cancer cell can become metastatic. Undaunted by the poor research funding, they raise monies to support novel research in metastatic cancer. Money in hand, they request grant applications, review/rank the grants and award the funds directly to the researchers. They also raise grant money to support the all volunteer staff with supplies. Finally but most importantly, they provide one-on-one support to each other as their disease progresses. Like the disease they are sworn to conquer, they smoothly transition between fund raisers, research supporters, and loving care givers. Some researchers believe that Cancer Stem Cells are shed from the tumor early in its growth, move to other tissues and many years later emerge as a metastatic site. I like the idea that donating dollars to METAvivors directly supports metastatic cancer research and may contribute to finding a cure for cancer at its root.