Introduction: The Intersection of Advocacy and Science
As the calendar year draws to a close, the non-profit sector—particularly within the realm of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) research—enters a period of intense reflection and strategic planning. For METAvivor, the transition from the Thanksgiving holiday to the New Year is defined by the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), a global nexus of oncological research.
In a recent communication to supporters, METAvivor President Dr. Kelly Shanahan underscored the urgency of this season. The organization’s capacity to catalyze scientific breakthroughs remains tethered to a singular, critical variable: the generosity of its donor base. As the board of directors convenes to finalize grant allocations, the organization stands at a crossroads of high-stakes advocacy and groundbreaking research.
The SABCS Experience: A Hub for Global Collaboration
The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium is more than a conference; it is the heartbeat of the breast cancer research community. For METAvivor’s leadership team, including Executive Director Crystal Moore, Board Members Janice Cowden, Amy Beumer, Nathaniel Robinson, and Sharon Anderson, the week was an exercise in precision networking and advocacy.
Networking and the Future of Funding
The primary objective for the METAvivor delegation in San Antonio was the cultivation of sustainable funding streams. The team conducted formal meetings with 11 potential corporate and philanthropic sponsors, with numerous informal discussions interspersed throughout the event. These efforts are designed to secure the financial infrastructure for three core pillars of the organization’s 2024 mission:
- The Stage IV Stampede and Summit: A flagship initiative aimed at centering the patient experience in clinical and policy discussions.
- R.I.S.E. (Reach, Inform, Support, Empower): A reimagined framework designed to extend the reach of the organization’s previous "Sea to Sea" program. R.I.S.E. seeks to mobilize board members and volunteers to engage with historically under-resourced populations across the United States.
- Peer-to-Peer Support Networks: Expanding the infrastructure that connects those living with MBC, providing them with the emotional and logistical support necessary to navigate a complex diagnosis.
Elevating the Patient Voice
A significant highlight of the symposium was the active participation of board members Janice Cowden and Amy Beumer, who served on expert panels. Their contributions served as a potent reminder that those living with metastatic breast cancer are not merely patients; they are experts in the lived experience of the disease.
Dr. Shanahan noted that the impact of these interactions extended beyond the conference floor. During the symposium, Dr. Shanahan engaged with prominent international oncologists, including a collaboration with specialists from Morocco. These discussions centered on the potential to implement METAvivor’s peer-to-peer training modules within emerging international advocacy networks, marking a significant step in the global expansion of the organization’s support model.
Grantmaking and Scientific Stewardship
The engine of METAvivor’s mission is its robust grant program. This year, the administrative burden of evaluating high-quality research proposals has been immense, reflecting both the urgency of the cause and the scientific community’s trust in METAvivor’s selection process.
The 2023 Grant Lifecycle
The grant cycle began with a rigorous vetting of nearly 200 Letters of Intent (LOIs). Following a preliminary review by the Scientific Advisory Board, 65 candidates were invited to submit full proposals, with 62 meeting the final deadline. The breakdown of these applications illustrates the diverse focus areas supported by the organization:
- Translational Research (36 applications): Focusing on moving laboratory findings into clinical practice.
- Quality of Life (10 applications): Addressing the physical and psychological toll of living with metastatic disease.
- Early Career Awards (16 applications): Investing in the next generation of researchers to ensure a pipeline of innovation.
- Scientific Advisory Board Awards: A specialized category honoring the contributions of the experts who guide the organization’s scientific trajectory.
The announcement of the final recipients is scheduled for the first week of January. Dr. Shanahan noted that given the interactions in San Antonio, the organization expects an even higher volume of applications in the coming year, underscoring the vital importance of sustained and increased fundraising.
A Paradigm Shift: The Role of the Patient Advocate
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this year’s symposium was the validation of the patient advocate’s role in the scientific process. Dr. Dennis Slamon—the visionary oncologist responsible for the development of trastuzumab (Herceptin)—delivered a plenary address that resonated deeply with the METAvivor delegation.
Dr. Slamon explicitly articulated that patient advocates are not merely "fundraisers" or "cheerleaders." Rather, they are essential colleagues. By integrating the patient perspective into the design of clinical trials, researchers can ensure that trials are not only more inclusive but also more efficient. This paradigm shift—moving from "patient as subject" to "patient as partner"—is a foundational goal for METAvivor as it approaches the new year.
Implications for the Future
The implications of the work done at SABCS extend far into 2024. As the organization transitions from the data-gathering phase of the symposium to the implementation of its strategic goals, several critical outcomes are expected:
Strengthening the Research Pipeline
By funding translational research, METAvivor is directly influencing the speed at which life-extending therapies reach the patient. The increased volume of LOIs suggests that the organization is becoming a premier destination for researchers seeking to make a tangible impact on MBC outcomes.
Bridging the Healthcare Gap
The R.I.S.E. program represents a pivot toward equity. By reaching into under-resourced populations, METAvivor is working to dismantle the disparities that often prevent marginalized groups from accessing clinical trials or high-quality supportive care. The upcoming survey in early January will be a critical mechanism for gathering community feedback to shape this initiative.
Sustaining the Movement
The financial reality remains the primary constraint on progress. While the scientific potential is vast, the ability to fund these 62 applicants and future cohorts rests entirely on donor participation. The organization is calling for a concerted effort to maintain the momentum generated during the end-of-year giving season.
Conclusion: A Message of Resilience
As the year closes, the mood within the METAvivor leadership is one of determined optimism. Despite the grueling pace of the symposium—characterized by long days, minimal sleep, and thousands of steps—the engagement with global researchers and the continued empowerment of the patient voice provide a clear path forward.
"From our METAvivor family to yours," Dr. Shanahan wrote in her closing remarks, "may this holiday season be full of love and light."
The message is clear: while the struggle against metastatic breast cancer is complex and demanding, the collaborative efforts between researchers, advocates, and donors have never been more potent. With the January grant announcements on the horizon and the launch of the R.I.S.E. initiative, METAvivor enters 2024 with a clear mandate to drive innovation, demand equity, and support every individual affected by metastatic breast cancer.
Summary of Key Dates and Upcoming Actions
- Early January: Announcement of 2023 grant recipients.
- Early January: Release of the R.I.S.E. (Reach, Inform, Support, Empower) community survey.
- Ongoing: Continuous review and feedback from the Scientific Advisory Board regarding future research trends.
- Ongoing: Fundraising efforts to support the expansion of the Stage IV Stampede and peer-to-peer support networks.
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