I am a breast cancer survivor. In 2011, following my diagnosis and having started down my treatment path, I became involved with a local breast cancer group called The Beyond Pink TEAM, in Iowa's Greater Cedar Valley. This led to also becoming involved with NBCC (National Breast Cancer Coalition). I have now served as an alternate board member for the Coalition, representing our local organization on this board. NBCC is an incredible organization that trains advocates to understand the science of breast cancer to be more prepared to get involved with public policy efforts and patient-centered outcomes research involvement. NBCC's research arm, The Artemis Project, is currently working with Mayo Clinic researchers on a breast cancer vaccine. It also works closely with the U. S. Department of Defense's Breast Cancer Research Program. As noted in NBCC's mission, their focus is on ending breast cancer by learning how to prevent breast cancer in the first place and how to prevent metastasis for those with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer. Additionally, NBCC seeks to help those already living with metastatic disease. Currently, NBCC is working with members of Congress to try to pass the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act.