METAvivor Seeks to Increase Breast Cancer Funding for Metastasis Research

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - March 30, 2015 - PRLog -- A dedicated group of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients is changing the way metastatic breast cancer research is funded. METAvivor, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to changing the lives of patients with metastatic breast cancer, will embark on Sea to Sea for MBC , a cross-country journey, from April 12^th through May 26^th, to have discussions with patients, researchers and donors in 34 events across 25 markets. The campaign will bring awareness of the disease and the inequity in research funding to those outside the oncology community. The team will also raise funds for metastatic research grants and meet with metastatic patients across the country.

Breast cancer becomes fatal when it metastasizes, or spreads to other areas of the body, claiming more than 40,000 American lives each year. Yet, only 2 percent of all research funds raised go to funding for Stage IV, metastatic disease. METAvivor is the only national nonprofit organization that funds competitive research grants with the single end goal of improving and extending the lives of women and men living with metastatic breast cancer. It puts 100 percent of all donations into these grants.

“During the six week Sea to Sea for MBC campaign, we will meet with the researchers, patients, donors and families our work impacts every day,” said Lori Marx-Rubiner, president, METAvivor. “Currently, more than 97 percent of metastatic breast cancer patients die from the disease, and the average life expectancy is two to three years. METAvivor seeks to change not only this prognosis, but the support system available to metastatic patients.”

“Once a patient metastasizes, their treatment and support system needs to evolve to meet advanced care needs. I co-founded METAvivor in 2009 to fill an enormous gap in metastatic breast cancer research and support, hoping to change the way people live with metastatic breast cancer,” said CJ Corneliussen-James, co-founder and director of advocacy at METAvivor. “Sea to Sea for MBC celebrates many of our accomplishments while also raising awareness of the lack of research funding.”

The Sea to Sea for MBC campaign is wholly funded through sponsorships provided by AstraZeneca, Eisai, Novartis, Celgene, MacroGenics and Lilly Oncology.

About METAvivor

METAvivor Research and Support Inc. is an Annapolis-based, 501(c)(3) all-volunteer non-profit organization founded by metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients in 2009. METAvivor raises awareness of MBC, provides support for people living with this disease, and offers many opportunities for others to help make a difference for the metastatic community. Our top priority is to fund critical research that will lead to advances in treatment options, quality of life and extended survival for patients diagnosed with MBC.

Since 2009, METAvivor has expanded nationwide and awarded 14 research grants totaling nearly $900,000. METAvivor has gained a rapidly growing following within the breast cancer and metastasis research communities, and has become a leader in its field. METAvivor is the only national organization with a peer-reviewed grant program aimed at exclusively funding MBC research.