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Check out Barbara, Erin, Michael, Maggie and Terlisa videos to see their perspective on this month's theme of Community.
#ThisIsMBC Elements Project
About the project
Inspired by people living with MBC, the #ThisIsMBC Elements Project is part of a collaborative MBC support campaign by Eisai and METAvivor. The project gives people with MBC an opportunity to tell their personal stories through a series of unique pictures and inspiring videos.
To make a donation to MBC research and support those living with MBC, please visit METAvivor contributions. Each participant who donates $25 or more can receive a complimentary #ThisIsMBC journal featuring portraits and stories from Elements.
Learn more about the #ThisIsMBC Elements Project
Barbara Bigelow
Age: 60
Barbara was diagnosed with recurring metastatic TNBC and experienced a complete response to treatment. Since suffering a coma due to an adverse reaction from a clinical trial drug, she hopes to share her story with the goal of inspiring others to remain hopeful.
Erin Remme
Age: 33
A beautiful, energetic young mom of 3, Erin gave up her nursing career to spend time with her children. Making memories with her family while she can, Erin also advocates for MBC and hosts the largest METAvivor fundraiser in the United States to date.
Halli Lannan
Age: 40
Halli’s story is quite unique as it lies at the intersection of her identity. As an Army Veteran, a lesbian, a sexual assault survivor, and an MBC thriver, Halli has dedicated her life and career to helping young adults discover and navigate their own identities. Her varied background gives her the perfect platform to bring attention to the unrepresented LGBTQ patients in the cancer community.
Lisa Quinn
Age: 39
Lisa is a wife, young mother of 2, and former elementary school teacher. Diagnosed with de novo metastatic breast cancer at just 37, Lisa also discovered she carried the BRCA gene. With more concern for her children’s future than her own, Lisa has dedicated her life to advocacy work. As co-chair and co-creator of the first METAvivor METSquerade, she has raised over $800,000 in funding for MBC research.
Mac Holmes
Age: 62
A Retired Lt. Col and former FedEx pilot, Mac is definitely a “man’s man.” Unsure of how to address his breast cancer diagnosis when he was in treatment for early stage disease, Mac often told people he had “chest cancer.” After his metastatic recurrence, with his wife Robin always by his side, Mac began to share his story in order to raise awareness for men with breast cancer.
Maggie Kudirka
Age: 27
Maggie had to give up a career as a professional ballet dancer at just 23 years young, a career and passion she had spent her life pursuing, because of a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. These days, Maggie spends her time teaching and performing, often raising money for METAvivor and MBC research. She also works as an advocate, educating audiences about the deadliness of MBC and dispelling common breast cancer myths.
Michael Kovarik
Age: 62
Michael is a retired elementary school teacher who had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2007. After a local recurrence in 2012, Michael’s cancer recurred as metastatic in 2015. He became an advocate for men with breast cancer, writing and sharing his experiences with others, even hosting his own radio show.
Susan Rahn
Age: 48
Diagnosed de novo metastatic at 43, Susan, mother to her only child Adam, hit the ground running in her advocacy role. Being as proactive as possible with her care, she’s never afraid to speak up when it comes to her doctors and treatment, or to speak out when it comes to MBC advocacy and the disparities in funding, research, and awareness. Susan currently holds an executive role within the METUP organization.
Terlisa Sheppard
Age: 51
Thriving with hormone receptor positive HER2 metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the brain for more than 17 years, Terlisa is a true inspiration and a ray of hope for many living with MBC. She approaches each day with a smile and a positive attitude, admitting she often “smiles through the pain.” Terlisa works to increase the inclusion of more African American faces in advocacy work, breast cancer campaigns, and clinical trial participation.
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Mac
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Michael
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Terlisa
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