It does not take long after a diagnosis of MBC to see that policies and legislation have a tremendous impact on our lives and the resources that are available to us as we navigate this complex world. In this episode we explore policy and legislation from the perspective of the patient advocate who make it their mission to cause change. These incredible individuals help break it all down for us . Joining us are patient advocates Abigail Johnston, Kelli Davis, and Shirley Mertz. They share their experiences with MBC and how they became involved in advocacy. We also hear from leading policy experts who have done outstanding lobbying over the years, Deb Collyer of Patient Advocates In Research, also known as PAIR, Molly Guthrie from Komen Center for Public Policy, Barry Lenk from Metavivor, Ivis Sampayo of SHARE Cancer Support, and Fran Visco of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Here are some great stories about the power of advocacy.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act - NBCC Legislative Priority #2

• Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN)

• MBCN: History of Metastatic Breast Cancer Day – October 13

• National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC)

  • 2021 Virtual Advocate Leadership Summit

  • Project Lead

  • Artemis Project

• Komen Center for Public Policy

• Metavivor - Take Action Campaigns and home of the Stage IV Stampede

• Northwest Arkansas Metsquerade - Kelli M. Davis and Lisa Cooper Quinn’s fundraiser for Metavivor.

• DOD CDMRP BCRP: Breast Cancer Research Program - Listen to our podcast with Dr. Gayle Vaday here.

• Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)

  • Breast Cancer Recurrence Project - Pilot project to track breast cancer recurrences

• Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care (CIACC)

• Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2021 - H.R. 379 and S.R. 104

No one should face MBC alone.
Whether you have a diagnosis yourself, or you're a friend, family member or caregiver of someone with a diagnosis, we're here to lend support, give information, share experiences, and to lift you up every time you need it. Research has proven that having the support we need during our most challenging times is paramount to honing coping skills and striving for wellness. Our supportive network is made of people just like you, who DO know what it's like, who HAVE been there, who CAN help.

TALKMETS HELPLINE
SHARE Cancer Support
Monday-Saturday 930a-9p EST
1-844-ASK SHARE, 1-844-275-7427 Option 6
https://www.sharecancersupport.org/metastatic-breast-cancer/helpline/