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!!
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.
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.
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 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!
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
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!!!
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!