Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge will join landmarks around the world in shining a light on the importance of continuing to fund breast cancer research
Milwaukee, WI – ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, a Milwaukee-based organization providing one-to-one support services to breast cancer patients and survivors around the world, is proud to be a part of this week’s global effort to shine a light on the devastating effects of metastatic breast cancer and raise critical funds to support ongoing research. #LightUpMBC, a fundraising and awareness initiative from www.metavivor.org, is a coordinated effort this Wednesday, Oct. 13, involving over 225 landmarks across the country and around the world, including five here in Wisconsin.
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as stage IV or advanced breast cancer, occurs when the cancer spreads beyond the breasts to other parts of the body. With no known cure, this devasting form of cancer takes the lives of 115 Americans each day. October 13 is annually recognized as National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, and the #LightUpMBC initiative is now in its third year of utilizing landmarks to display METAvivor’s unique tri-color ribbon of green, teal and pink, which symbolizes hope, immortality, healing and spirituality.
“As a Milwaukee-based organization, ABCD couldn’t be prouder to see our city standing on the global stage as we join with breast cancer patients, survivors and civic-minded organizations from around the world in seizing this moment to make a difference for the patients and families impacted by metastatic breast cancer,” Ellen Friebert Schupper, Executive Director of ABCD, said. “While our incredible team of mentors at ABCD stands ready to help anyone impacted by this disease, this is so much bigger than any one organization, and it’s inspiring to see this collaboration on such a large scale.”
Complementing the landmark lighting event is #LightUpMBC Live, a virtual fundraising benefit co-hosted by TV personality Katie McGee and MBC Advocate Tami Eagle Bowling which will begin at 7:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday. Viewers can livestream the virtual event on LiveXLive, Facebook Live @METAvivor andMETAvivor.org to get a glimpse of some of the 225 illuminated landmarks from around the globe, hear inspiring stories told by #LightUpMBC Ambassadors and enjoy entertainment from musical guests including Kristin Chenoweth, Tom Morello, Rob Thomas and JD Eicher. Donations can also me made directly via the METAvivor website.
Linda Hansen, Vice President of the ABCD Board of Directors and the #LightUpMBC Wisconsin Captain, is slated to join the virtual benefit live at 9:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday. Both Hansen and Friebert Schupper will be on site at the Hoan Bridge lighting Wednesday evening and will be available for any local interview requests.
In addition to Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge, other participating locations in Wisconsin include the Wisconsin Center District Tunnel in Milwaukee, the Town Bank branch in Hartland, Connexus Credit Union in Wausau, and the George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay.
For more information on the #LightUpMBC initiative, to make a donation, or to view a complete list of participating landmarks, visitwww.metavivor.org/LightUpMBC.
About METAvivor and the Origin of the Breast Cancer (MBC) Ribbon
METAvivor Research and Support is dedicated to the specific fight of men and women living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. It is a volunteer-led, 501c3 non-profit organization that exclusively funds stage IV MBC research to transition the disease from terminal to chronic with a good quality of life for MBC patients. METAvivor puts 100% of every donation toward stage IV metastatic breast cancer research.
The pink ribbon is well-known for representing the fight against breast cancer, but many Stage 4 breast cancer patients feel that pink does not encapsulate their experience. Metastatic Breast Cancer may start in the breast, but its spread to vital organs makes the disease fatal. To highlight the uniqueness of the disease and show its commonality with other stage 4 cancers, METAvivor designed a base ribbon of green and teal to represent metastasis. Green represents the triumph of spring over winter, life over death, and symbolizes renewal, hope, and immortality while teal symbolizes healing and spirituality. The thin pink ribbon overlay signifies the metastatic cancer originated in the breast.
About #LightUpMBC
#LightUpMBC is a campaign produced by Moore Fight Moore Strong (MFMS) in memory of Jessica Moore to increase awareness and funding for metastatic breast cancer by partnering with landmarks to illuminate in the symbolic MBC colors of teal, green and pink. All proceeds raised through #LightUpMBC benefit METAvivor Research and Support.
About ABCD
ABCD provides customized, one-to-one emotional support to anyone impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. While we are founded and grounded in Milwaukee, WI, our services are available to anyone in the world. Working as a complement to the medical team and drawing from a pool of more than 300 professionally-trained Mentors, ABCD pairs people who not only share a similar diagnosis and treatment plan, but who also have common interests, personal traits and family dynamics. ABCD’s support services are free and delivered at time of diagnosis, during treatment and into survivorship.
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