Breast cancer awareness month hits hard for me every year as I reflect on how much my life has changed since my stage III diagnosis at 19. I lost my hair, endured four months of intense chemotherapy, had my breasts removed, froze my eggs and have spent the past three years working to return both my mental and physical health to the way they were before - all while trying to accept that they never fully will be. People think we are doing a good job finding a cure for breast cancer. I am telling you that we need MORE. Diagnosis are getting younger and younger. 115 women die EVERY DAY from stage IIII metastatic breast cancer. Until this year, I couldn’t even talk about stage four with my friends/ family, let alone publicly, without being extremely triggered and anxiety ridden. However, the reality is, if I get cancer again, it will return as stage four and be incurable. ~30% of patients diagnosed early stage will experience metastasis and progress to stage IIII. That TERRIFIES me. Stage four needs more funding. WOMEN, do self breast examination and know your body. Advocate for yourself if you suspect something is wrong. I found my lump myself, and it saved my life!!!!!! @metavivor is my organization of choice this year if you feel moved to donate. They fund stage four metastatic breast cancer research through a scientific peer reviewed process (aka it’s a it’s a really good & legit org!!!!) On October 13th at 8pm EST I’ll be co-hosting a virtual event called @lightupmbc Live which donates 100% of net proceeds to @metavivor. You can tune in through Metavivors Facebook live 💫 it’s going to be a beautiful evening and I hope you’ll join us 💙💚💖!