#LightUpMBC 2024

#LightUpMBC is a global campaign that is designed to educate, raise funds, and shine a light on the critical need for research for Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer research. To support this campaign, click below to donate and search for the state and/or person you would like to support.

DONATE NOW

METAVIVORS AND VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY 

Volunteer as a #LightUpMBC Ambassador!

Engage in fundraising, securing landmarks, press outreach, proclamations, or learn to host your own #LIghtUPMBC Fun Run.   
If you would like to volunteer with #LightUpMBC 2024, please sign up here: #LightUpMBC Ambassadors: Volunteer Sign-Up. If this form is not working for you, please email [email protected]


WHAT IS #LIGHTUPMBC LIVE?


In case you missed #LightUpMBC Live, please visit the link below to watch highlights now on YouTube. 

Hear inspiring stories from MBC patients standing at illuminated landmarks around the world. Learn how scientists are using grants funded by METAvivor to discover new scientific breakthroughs for MBC research. 

Celebrity guests included Marc Roberge (O.A.R), Bianca Marroquin (Chicago) Tony Award winner Ali Stroker (Oklahoma!), Christine Dwyer (Wicked), Matt DeAngelis (Waitress), and more. 

#LightUpMBC Live was co-hosted by Tami Eagle Bowling, a motivational speaker and Stage 4 MBC Thriver alongside Christine Nagy, Gracie Award Winner and morning radio personality at 106.7 Lite FM. #LightUpMBC was produced by Eagle Bowling and hundreds of volunteer #LightUpMBC ambassadors around the world.

#LightUpMBC Live 2023 Highlights


Check out our press coverage on the today show and good morning america!


Additional press coverage

Click HERE to watch our segment on Good Morning America!


What is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day?

October 13th is nationally recognized as the official Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, in an effort to drive awareness that MORE research is needed to find a cure. Only about 5% of overall breast cancer research in the U.S. goes to MBC research. If we can find a cure for MBC, we can end death from breast cancer. 

  • Approximately 30% of early stage breast cancer survivors will have a recurrence as metastatic disease, even after completing successful treatment.
  • Metastases can occur as early as several months to 25+ years after treatment.
  • 685,000 people a year die from metastatic breast cancer globally. 
  • Only 31% of U.S. MBC patients live longer than 5 years, and only 11% of live longer than 10 years.

Due to a lack of public knowledge about MBC compared with early stage breast cancer, there are many widespread misperceptions. There is NO CURE for MBC.  


Why green, teal and pink?

The pink ribbon is well-known for representing the fight against breast cancer, but most MBC patients feel that pink does not encapsulate their experience. Metastatic Breast Cancer may start in the breast, but its spread to vital organs makes the disease fatal. 
To highlight the uniqueness of the disease and show its commonality with other Stage IV cancers, METAvivor designed a base ribbon of green and teal to represent metastasis. 

  • Green represents renewal, hope, and immortality
  • Teal symbolizes healing and spirituality
  • Pink signifies the metastatic cancer originated in the breast

See this story from Glamour for more info on the tri-color ribbon and how this #LightUpMBC campaign has become a movement for change.  


The inspiration behind the campaign

Jessica Moore was a nurse at a skilled care unit. She embodied the word “care”, dedicated her life as a healthcare worker to helping others, and was even recognized with the “Caregiver of the Year” award by the organization that she worked for.  At the age of 32, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and passed away from the disease less than 4 years later.  During her treatment, her family formed the Moore Fight Moore Strong (MFMS) organization to shine a light on the need for MBC awareness & research.  In October 2017, the first bridge to light in MBC colors was the Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth, NH near her hometown. #LightUpMBC is the result of years of hard work from MFMS to light up the world to bring awareness and funding to critical MBC research.  


Participating Landmarks

Check HERE to see if your city is participated in the 2023 #LightUpMBC.

Snap a photo of a participating landmark in your city on 10/13 and be sure to tag #LightUpMBC #METAvivor on Facebook or Instagram for a chance for your photo to be featured in #LIghtUpMBC Live!

Feel the unity of the night as landmarks around the world shine a light on the importance of awareness and funding for Metastatic Breast Cancer research.

Shawn Pierce Photography


#LIGHTUPMBC FUN RUNS

Join us this Fall to run, walk, dance, hop, or skip at one of our #LightUpMBC Fun Runs.

Gather with your community in a meaningful way to raise funds for Metastatic Breast Cancer Research.

Click HERE to find a race near you.

If you would like to host a #LightUpMBC fun run in 2024 please reach out to [email protected].

#LightUpMBC Apparel 

The 2024 #LightUpMBC Store will open this summer!

 

 

Shimmer By Cindy

Check out the The Shimmer for the Cure - MBC collection by Shimmer By Cindy, where 100% of the profits of every purchase is donated to METAvivor. The jewelry is designed in the symbolic MBC colors of teal, green, and pink representing healing, strength and hope. It makes a meaningful gift for the holidays too!  The inspiration for the collection is Nola Addante who lost her life to MBC, but her light continues to shine through each piece. Shop now to make a difference.


 

landMARK OWNER INQUIRIES

Are you a landmark owner that would like to join our campaign by lighting in MBC colors (Green, Teal and Pink) on October 13th?  

U.S. Landmarks
 
Laura Inahara Founder, #LightUpMBC

[email protected]

 

Sponsorship and Press Inquiries

#LightUpMBC Live & National Sponsorships
Tami Bowling

Global Campaign Director

Producer #LightUpMBC Live

[email protected]


stay connected with #LightUpMBC

Follow our social channels Facebook @LightUpMBC and Instagram @lightupmbc.


To donate by check:

To donate by check, please mail to the address below and include #LightUpMBC and the state/person you are honoring in the memo line.

METAvivor Research and Support
1783 Forest Drive #184
Annapolis, MD 21401
(Make checks payable to METAvivor)


ABOUT METAVIVOR

METAvivor Research and Support, Inc. is a non-profit organization that funds research to benefit people with stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We also raise awareness, advocate for, and provide information and support to people living with MBC. 100% of every donation made to METAvivor goes to fund metastatic breast cancer research.

Since our founding in 2009, we have awarded 193 research grants totaling over $28 million to fund research for stage IV breast cancer. We provide support for people living with MBC. We train stage IV breast cancer patients to be advocates and peer support leaders. METAvivor also offers education programs about stage IV metastatic breast cancer and the latest research information specific to the disease.

To learn more about the grants we have awarded, please visit www.metavivor.org/research