PORTSMOUTH — METAvivor Research and Support and Moore Fight Moore Strong announces the launch of the fourth annual global landmark campaign, #LightUpMBC, to shine a light on the importance of awareness and funding for metastatic breast cancer research.
On Oct. 13, National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, over 200 landmarks, including the Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth, will light up in the MBC awareness colors of teal, green and pink, as part of the #LightUpMBC campaign. The landmarks are in all 50 U.S. states as well as Canada, Hong Kong and Ireland.
Every year, more than 685,000 people worldwide die from metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage 4 or advanced breast cancer, for which there is no cure. This happens when the cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body.
Local Durham resident, founder of #LightUpMBC and Moore Fight Moore Strong Executive Director Laura Inahara said, "My best friend and inspiration for this campaign, Jessica Moore, died of metastatic breast cancer at the young age of 36. One hundred and fifteen people are dying every day of MBC, and that's not acceptable. Every landmark that shines is in memory of someone who passed away and a reminder that more research for Stage 4 MBC is critical to save lives. I am thankful again to Governor Sununu for proclaiming Oct. 13 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New Hampshire and calling the day to the attention of all citizens.”
Some of the iconic participating locations include One World Trade Center in NYC, The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston, The Wheel at ICON Park in Florida and Niagara Falls, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, The Aloha Tower in Hawaii and the Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. In addition to the Portsmouth bridge, New Hampshire locations include CCA Global Partners in Manchester and the Town Common in Londonderry.
#LightUpMBC Live, a virtual benefit, will begin at 9 p.m. ET /6 p.m. PT on Oct. 13. The event will include inspiring MBC stories from illuminated landmarks around the country. Celebrity guests include:
• Lionel Richie, Grammy award-winning entertainer discusses how breast cancer has affected his family and the importance of research.
• Mathew Knowles, Cancer survivor and CEO, Music World Entertainment, will share about his journey and the importance of genetic testing.
• Miranda McKeon, “Anne with an E” star, found her lump when she was just 19 years old and will discuss the importance of self-exams and advocacy.
• Philecia, Model and MBC Thriver, Philecia found a lump at age 30 but was denied a mammogram. A few months later it was Stage 4.
• Additional celebrity appearances will include Kimmie & Bruce Hall (REO Speedwagon), LeA Robinson (Pose on FX), Daphne Rubin-Vega (In the Heights) and Karen Finerman (CNBC/Fast Money) and more.
Viewers can live stream the event through the LiveOne app and platform, YouTube or Facebook Live @METAvivor and www.METAvivor.org/LightUpMBC.
Local event sponsors include D.F. Richard Energy and Connexus Cares. For more information, to donate and view a list of participating landmarks, go to www.metavivor.org/LightUpMBC.