270+ Landmarks Across the Globe and Star Talent Unite for #LightUpMBC to Fund Stage 4 Breast Cancer Research
Watch #LightUpMBC LIVE streaming on October 13 at 8 ET / 5 PT
NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as Stage 4, takes 117 lives daily in the U.S., and over 670,000 lives globally every year. Despite this devastating toll, research for metastatic breast cancer, where the cancer spreads beyond the breast, remains critically underfunded. On October 13—National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day—over 270 landmarks across all 50 U.S. states and worldwide will illuminate in teal, green, and pink for #LightUpMBC, a global campaign fueling lifesaving, patient-impacting research.
This campaign benefits METAvivor Research and Support Inc., which exclusively funds metastatic breast cancer research through a scientific peer and patient advocate review process. With declining federal investment in metastatic breast cancer, scientists are increasingly turning to private funders like METAvivor for support. In 2025, METAvivor received 194 research proposals—nearly double last year's 104—reflecting the urgent demand for grant funding and the critical role private philanthropy plays in advancing progress.
"When I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, I certainly didn't think I'd still be here just shy of 12 years later, " said Dr. Kelly Shanahan, METAvivor Board President. "My hope and the hope of so many others lies in research, and METAvivor funded research is increasingly important these days."
#LightUpMBC: A Global Movement of Light and Hope
Hailed as the world's largest visual representation of awareness for MBC, this year's #LightUpMBC participating landmarks span across all 50 U.S. states, 20 countries and 176 cities including One World Trade Center (NYC); Willis Tower (IL); Cincinnati Museum Center (OH); Philadelphia City Hall (PA); The Seattle Great Wheel (WA); Niagara Falls (Canada); Matagarup Bridge (Australia); Spinnaker Tower (England); and Portsmouth's Memorial Bridge (NH), the first landmark to light for MBC in 2017.
"My best friend and the inspiration behind this campaign, Jessica Moore, died of metastatic breast cancer at just 36," said Laura Inahara, #LightUpMBC Founder. "Every landmark that lights up is a tribute to those we've lost and a beacon of hope for those living with MBC—that a cure can be found in their lifetime."
#LightUpMBC LIVE: Music, Stories, and Inspiration
The landmark lightings will culminate on October 13 at 8 p.m. ET with #LightUpMBC LIVE, a global livestream event hosted by creator Tami Eagle Bowling, a ten-year MBC thriver, and Gina Naomi Baez, actress, singer-songwriter, and three-time cancer survivor, who is currently developing Abril, a Broadway-bound musical inspired by her cancer journey.
The virtual event will feature:
- Inspiring patient stories live from illuminated landmarks
- Scientific perspectives on the latest research
- Powerful musical performances, including Broadway stars Ann Hampton Callaway, Kara Lindsay, Mamie Parris, and Steven Grant Douglas; music from Grammy award-winning artist Bootsy Collins and soul singer-songwriter Jess Lamb featuring rapper Siri Imani; and a heartfelt duet by Pop Star Em Beihold and singer-songwriter e.woolf
#LightUpMBC LIVE will stream through LiveOne on @METAvivor YouTube, @METAvivor Facebook Live, and on Glamour's website.
100% of net proceeds from the #LightUpMBC campaign and livestream benefit METAvivor Research and Support Inc., which exclusively funds metastatic breast cancer research through a scientific peer and patient advocate review process.
For a full list of landmarks and event details, visit www.lightupmbc.org.
About METAvivor
METAvivor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exclusively funds Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer research. Through a rigorous peer-review process, METAvivor directs grants to projects aimed at turning MBC from a terminal disease into a survivable condition with good quality of life. Follow on Facebook @METAvivor and Instagram @METAvivor.
About #LightUpMBC
#LightUpMBC is the world's largest visual campaign for metastatic breast cancer awareness. On October 13, more than 270 landmarks in all 50 U.S. states and around the world light in green, teal, and pink—the MBC awareness colors—to honor lives lost, support patients, and raise funds for research benefiting METAvivor. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @LightUpMBC.
About #LightUpMBC LIVE
#LightUpMBC LIVE is an annual livestream on October 13 featuring live patient stories told from illuminated landmarks, inspiring musical performances, and updates from scientists. The event raises funds for metastatic breast cancer research and spotlights the urgent need for breakthroughs in treatment. To support, visit Donate.METAvivor.org/LightUpMBC
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SOURCE Metavivor