Funding research that can end MBC
Fueled by our coast-to-coast grassroots community, we’re proud to be the country’s only nonprofit that exclusively funds metastatic breast cancer research through a peer-and-patient-advocate review process. We strive to sustain hope and make every dollar count as we work with researchers to extend and improve quality of life for MBC patients, to render this disease a truly survivable condition.Our Mission
We focus exclusively on stage IV metastatic breast cancer to improve the lives of people living with MBC by funding research, advancing federal policies through advocacy, and facilitating a community of peer-to-peer support.
Our Funding
Our work is funded primarily by individual donations, with 90% of all gifts going directly to fund MBC research. The other 10% of donations helps supplement grants and corporate sponsorship we seek to fund essential operations and keep our mission going strong.
Our Leadership
As a volunteer-driven organization, our work is fueled by patients and others with a deep connection to MBC, working in partnership with a small staff of professionals. We are inspired by those who continue to step up to this challenge, even as we lose colleagues and friends to the disease.
OUR VISION
…until no one dies
of MBC
Our vision is to advance research and policy until no one dies of metastatic breast cancer.
Our Story
METAvivor was established in 2009 by a small group of metastatic breast cancer patients who were determined to make a difference. At the time, no organization was dedicated to funding research for the disease, and no patient groups were speaking out about the lack of stage 4 cancer research. Since its founding, METAvivor has become internationally recognized for raising awareness and funds explicitly for MBC research. Today, while more people have taken up the cry for increased focus on and funding for stage 4 research, we remain the sole US organization dedicated to awarding annual grants to fund MBC research.
About Our Name
The term “survivor” evokes the triumph of someone who has completed cancer treatment and reclaimed their lives. Many people living with metastatic breast cancer do not feel this term represents their situation, since – despite advances – the disease is considered a terminal condition that will require treatment for the rest of our lives. Thus we have proudly redefined ourselves as “metavivors.” This title celebrates not just our continued existence, but honors the strength and determination that is required to claim a daily victory over challenges and adversity.
About Our Ribbon
While the pink ribbon symbolizes the fight against breast cancer, many MBC patients feel it doesn’t capture their full experience. METAvivor’s base ribbon of green and teal pulls in the element of metastasis, with teal symbolizing healing and spirituality and green signifying the triumph of spring over winter, life over death – symbolizing renewal, hope, and immortality. The pink ribbon overlay signifies cancer that originated in the breast. While the METAvivor ribbon is trademarked, we invite other cancer communities to overlay their own cancer’s ribbon on the metastatic ribbon base.
Working Together for Greater Impact
METAvivor is proud to be part of national coalitions that unite advocates, researchers, and organizations to advance medical research and equitable cancer policy.
