MBC Advocacy: Finding Purpose in Adversity

April 5, 2023 Our MBClife

A diagnosis of Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer is typically the (or one of the) most significant traumas a person and their loved ones will experience. Rather than an immediate death sentence, strides in cancer medication and research means that many will live for years after receiving this terminal diagnosis. Thus, patients and their families may begin to wonder, "What do I/we do with the time afforded to me?" and “How can I/we help others living with MBC now and in the future?” One answer to these vitally important questions is to dedicate time and energy to advocacy. This episode includes patient advocates, Dr. Amy Beumer, Janice Cowden, RN, Stephanie Walker, RN, Rod Ritchie, Dr. Rosemary Carrera, and Miranda Gonzales, sharing how they have found purpose in the midst of adversity as well as representatives from Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), Cathy Ormerod, and METAvivor, Dan Cramer and Tami Bowling, sharing about ongoing advocacy opportunities. What will YOU do with the time you have on this earth? Listen for ideas and a very specific call to action at the end of the episode from the guest producers, Abigail Johnston, Esquire, Director of Mentorship with Project Life, and Lesley Glenn, Founder and CEO of Project Life, a virtual wellness house for those living with MBC, their loved ones and allies.

Additional Resources:

· Living Beyond Breast Cancer

· 305 Pink Pack

· Project Life

· CanCare

· Guiding Researchers and Advocates to Scientific Partnerships (GRASP)

· METAvivor

o METAvivor Action Alerts

o METAvivor Stage IV Stampede

o LightUpMBC

Contact Info for Panelists:

· Abigail Johnston, Esquire, StageIVAdvocacyAMJ@gmail.com & mentorship@projectlifembc.com