This project is inspired by individuals living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and aims to evoke emotion, promote open dialogue, public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of MBC through creative expression on social media.
The #ThisIsMBC Beneath the Breast Project was created in 2019. The couples were filmed
by METAvivor and told their stories at the time of filming. Unfortunately, as is the case for
too many MBC patients, some of the participants have passed. Their stories are followed
by a memoriam.
MEET THE COUPLES OF THE #THISISMBC Beneath the Breast Project
MEET KIRBY AND MARYANNE Love
Kirby and Maryanne
Married 32 years
Kirby, an artistic Navy veteran, and his wife, Maryanne, are incredibly close.
They hold hands in bed and consider themselves soulmates. Kirby's MBC
diagnosis made him value their relationship even more: "My focus is my
relationship with my wife, with my son and my grandchildren, with my
parents, and with everybody that I come in contact with." Maryanne says
that Kirby is "friends with everybody. He never meets a stranger." Click to
view their videos and see how the amazing love they share has helped get
them through.
MEET LINDSEY AND JEREMY Care
Lindsey and Jeremy
Married 12 years
Lindsey, a wife, mother, and former store manager, had a long journey with
breast cancer before her cancer metastasized. Lindsey focuses on mBC
advocacy and spending time with her family. She says that her husband,
Jeremy, is "the most caring person I've ever met." Click to view their videos
and learn how mBC has affected their family and brought them closer
together.
MEET KARIMA AND KARIM Time
Karima and Karim
Married 20 years
Karima and Karim met in college and then reconnected by chance years later. They have now been married for 20 years and have 3 children. After Karima was diagnosed in 2013, their priorities shifted from work to each other. Karim, whom Karima calls "my rock," goes along to every doctor's appointment. He says, "...none of the material things in life are as important to actually being there with the people you love, spending the time with them." Click to view their videos and learn more about their time together.
MEET HALLI AND ERICA Support
In memory of Halli
Halli and Erica
Married 3 years
Halli has not let her mBC diagnosis affect her goals: raising her son, finishing her PhD, and working for education reform. Halli says that her wife, Erica, is “100% supportive,” and Erica describes Halli as an incredibly strong person who “does whatever she puts her mind to. She can get through anything.” Click to view their videos and learn more about how mutual support has helped Halli and Erica navigate new challenges together.
MEET BETH AND DAVID Perspective
Beth and David
Together 2 years
After being diagnosed with de novo MBC in 2014 at the age of 34, Beth experienced a massive shift in perspective: "...experiences are what I value...not stuff or accolades." After meeting David, her belief was affirmed through their strong connection and the quality time they spent with each other. "All we have together is time...there's always something to look forward to." Click to view their videos and learn about Beth's experiences with dating, sexuality, and MBC advocacy.
MEET EVA AND ANDRES Balance
Eva and Andres
Together 12 years
Eva and Andres, who met while hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, have always shared a love of being active together. After Eva's MBC diagnosis, they had to adjust to a new, less active life: "You have to let each other be who they are now...you’re different than you were before." Click to view their videos and learn how slowing down and prioritizing self-care has changed their relationship.
MEET JAMIL AND RICK Honesty
Jamil and Rick
Together 15 years
When Jamil was told she had MBC at 39 years old, it came as a huge shock for her and her husband, Rick. At the beginning of treatment, Jamil experienced insecurities due to hair loss. Rick helped her through, saying, “You are not your hair…you are something deeper than that.” Click to view their videos and learn how they supported each other through the good and bad days with openness, love, and understanding.
MEET KATHERINE AND RAY Trust
Katherine and Ray
Married 38 years
Katherine, a retired school teacher from California, was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2003, which later progressed to Stage 4 in 2004. Her husband, Ray, describes her as ‘‘a strong woman’’ who is ‘‘just fun to be with.’’ Click to view their videos and learn how a positive outlook helped them get by.