October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we will be surrounded by pink wherever we turn. Did you know that less than 5% of the money donated to breast cancer causes goes to researching metastatic breast cancer? October 13 is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day. Our ribbon is green, teal and pink to highlight the uniqueness of the disease and show its commonality with other stage 4 cancers. In the past we have sold Heidi’s Hope boxes to raise money and awareness. I have opted to pursue a different path this fall and I am hoping you will help me spread this information.
First, I am working with #LightUpMBC. All proceeds go to Metavivor for researching treatments for metastatic breast cancer. I have set a goal to raise $3000 dollars this year. Here is a link to my fundraising page: https://donate.metavivor.org/fundraiser/5554408
Second, I will be participating in the Be a Hero Fun Run on October 12, 2024 in Plainfield, IL. This is part of the #LightUpMBC campaign so all proceeds go to Metavivor. I would love to have you join me. This is a fun event so there is no set distance and everyone generally walks. Here is a link for more information: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/91641/chicagoland-be-a-hero-fun-run
Third, I will be part of the #LIGHTUPMBC LIVE 2024 event on Sunday, October 13 at 7:00 PM CST. You can tune in on YouTube, Facebook Live or LiveOne for the one hour event of inspiring MBC stories at illuminated landmarks with special guests and musical performances to raise funds for metastatic breast cancer research to benefit Metavivor. State Farm Center on the University of Illinois campus has agreed to light up in green, teal and pink for that night. Dave will run the camera as I tell my story live on the broadcast. Friends are welcome to join us. https://www.metavivor.org/take-action/campaigns/lightupmbc/
Fourth, I am still an ambassador for My Density Matters. It seems like almost every week I receive a message from someone who has found out they have dense breast tissue but their physician is not ordering any scan beyond the regular mammogram. I direct them to our website and coach them on what to say to their physician. I do not want my story to become anyone else’s story. Know your breast density and know what to do if you have dense breast tissue. https://mydensitymatters.org
Fifth, this fall you will see me on social media with my friends Greg Niewold, President of Power Planter, and Jenny Simpson, owner of Creekside Nursery in Charlotte, NC. There is a live auction on the LightUpMBC virtual event. Greg, Jenny and I will be presenting the opportunity to bid on a special package that you won’t want to miss. Dave and I are flying to NC in a couple weeks to film all the segments. Stay tuned for more information on this.
Ways You Can Help
You can help me by sharing some piece of information with at least ten people you know. Print a resource page from the My Density Matters website and send to women you know through work, church, or social activities. Follow My Density Matters and LightUpMBC on social media and share their posts. Share my fundraising page through email or on your social media. Join me at the Be a Hero Fun Run on October 12. Tune into the LightUpMBC virtual evening on October 13.
I am currently on a treatment that did not exist when I was diagnosed in July 2019. Research keeps me alive.
I am not in control. 