Spotlight On METAvivor

Its Goal 

By funding research, raising awareness, and providing community support, METAvivor hopes to play a role in converting metastatic breast cancer from a terminal disease to a chronic one and to “improve the quality of life for those living with metastatic breast cancer,” Negley says.

Its Services

METAvivor offers a variety of services for members of its community. The organization invests heavily in its peer-led support groups, which are scattered throughout the country, and even offers leadership training for those who are interested in starting their own group. “METAvivor trains peer leaders monthly, gives them materials to start groups in their own communities, and then provides support to augment their meetings,” Negley says.

Currently, METAvivor has over 100 peer support groups, which represent more than 3,000 people who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

On METAvivor’s website, you can also find guidance on how to participate in clinical trials, advice for those who are newly diagnosed, access to volunteer opportunities, and several personal stories written by others living with metastatic breast cancer.

Events 

Each year, METAvivor hosts multiple fundraising events in an effort to raise money and awareness for metastatic breast cancer. This year, the organization is holding its Metsquerade, a recurring fundraiser for METAvivor, in Pittsburgh at the end of April. 

Later this spring, METAvivor will host its third annual #LightUpMBC Color Fun Run, which will take place in New Jersey, and the organization’s Tahoe Music for METAvivor fundraising event, scheduled for August, invites participants to enjoy great music, food, and wine, all while supporting metastatic breast cancer research.

“We are devoted to metastatic breast cancer-specific research and put 100% of every donation toward funding research,” Negley says.

You can register for METAvivor’s upcoming fundraisers, and stay up to date on all of its future events, on its website.

Core Beliefs

“METAvivor is a patient-led organization that works very hard to end deaths from metastatic breast cancer,” Negley says. “Our core values include compassion, inclusion, and persistence.”