Talking about mBC Saves Lives

Bridging the Gap Between Early-Stagers and Metastatic Breast Cancer

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin, “As Much Truth As One Can Bear,” The New York Times, January 14, 1962

Alongside other warriors, as a 14-year survivor, Maimah dedicates her life to advocating for improvements to education and treatments needed to make mBC a chronic disease, not a terminal one. To do this, it is crucial for every person to realize their value and importance in this mission, and that they are a hero in their own life as well as in the lives of others. When we commit to something greater than ourselves, we realize and experience what this truly means.

If more people talk about mBC, as a society, we can save more lives. And it’s important for those with mBC to participate in and lead those conversations. The more opportunities for others to hear from those with mBC, the more others will connect and find resonance. As Jamil explains, “I do think that connection does have to happen where it resonates. And I think that’s with everything in history. When you are living, breathing and, you know, fraternizing with people that are not like yourself, it expands your thoughts, opinions, and understanding.” Many people do not realize that people can die from breast cancer and that with access to appropriate care, people with mBC can live a high quality of life for a long time. Jamil explains that when people connect with her story, this motivates them to learn and advocate for solutions. If we keep the conversation going, this may lead to more investment in funding for research about mBC, which leads to advances that improve diagnosis and treatment for mBC as a chronic disease. As Jamil argues, “Let’s address mBC, so that we can disrupt the entire process and save lives.” 

Every person is touched by breast cancer, whether it is you or someone you know and love. Watch videos and read stories of the My Life is My Legacy campaign to witness how many people—early stagers, those with mBC, caregivers, doctors, and researchers—live their lives as legacies and work for a better future for those living with mBC. Learn how you can do the same. 

This article is a part of the #MyLifeIsMyLegacy Campaign. Learn more here.