Beth Fairchild is an artist, activist, and yogi who has been living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) since her unexpected diagnosis in 2014. Despite having no prior symptoms and a recent negative mammogram, Beth’s journey revealed a significant lack of representation and research funding for the MBC community. In response, Beth initiated the powerful social media movement #DontIgnoreStageIV, connecting with METAvivor and serving on their Board of Directors as Vice President and eventually as President.

Previously, Beth was a renowned tattoo artist specializing in permanent cosmetics and areola complex tattooing. Though she has retired from tattooing due to peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy, Beth continues to advocate for those living with breast cancer. She now focuses on yoga, healthy living, travel, gardening, crocheting, and enjoying family life.

Beth’s organization, Cancer Culture, is pivotal in reshaping the breast cancer narrative. Their mission includes authentic storytelling, raising awareness, and supporting life-saving research. Cancer Culture’s transformative events, such as patient retreats and art exhibits, foster community and emotional healing, while their social content aims to shift perceptions and create a sense of representation for all affected by breast cancer.

We are honored to have Beth Fairchild as an esteemed patient advocate speaker at MetGala SCV 2024. Her dedication and advocacy reflect the spirit of our event, and we look forward to her impactful contribution.

Stay tuned for more updates as the gala approaches. We are excited to hear from both of our incredible speakers!

For more information about Beth and Cancer Culture, visit their website and follow their inspiring work.

Dr. Teshome is a leading breast surgical oncologist known for her dedication to advancing breast cancer care and improving health equity. Her extensive background includes a fellowship in Breast Surgical Oncology from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, an MPH from Harvard School of Public Health, and an MD from the University of Michigan Medical School.

Dr. Teshome's career highlights include her previous role as an associate professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she also served as the program director of the Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Breast Surgical Faculty Excellence in Research Mentorship Award.

At UCLA Health, Dr. Teshome will lead the breast surgical oncology efforts, including those at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her work will focus on advancing clinical practice, fostering collaborative research, and supporting the training of future leaders in breast surgical oncology, making a significant impact on the field.

Dr. Teshome’s recent interview on KFI, where she discusses her vision for breast cancer care at UCLA, highlights her passion and commitment. You can watch the interview here.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Teshome as our keynote speaker and look forward to her impactful address at MetGala SCV 2024. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the gala. We can’t wait to see you there!

For more information about Dr. Teshome’s work and achievements, visit her biography and read her recent appointment at UCLA Health here.

Mark your calendars for a magical evening at the Met Gala SCV on Saturday, September 21, 2024, hosted at Porsche Santa Clarita.
Event Details:

• Doors Open and Cocktail Hour: 5:30 PM
• Dinner: 7:00 PM (followed by a live auction)
• Dress Code: Mystical Elegance; Ethereal
• Location: Porsche Santa Clarita
• No host bar: Cash and cards accepted

All proceeds from the Met Gala SCV will benefit METAvivor, a volunteer-led non-profit dedicated to supporting those living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (MBC) through research, awareness, and support.
About METAvivor:

• Research: Exclusively funds MBC research through a scientific peer-review process.
• Awareness: Raises public awareness about the specific challenges of stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
• Support: Encourages local support programs and offers resources like the Peer-to-Peer Support Group leader webinar.

Join us for an elegant evening that makes a meaningful impact. We look forward to seeing you there!

Question: What inspired you to participate in metastatic breast cancer research, and what keeps you motivated in this field? 
Answer: In oncology, research in metastatic breast cancer has proven immensely impactful. Many of my patients with metastatic disease are living full lives involving their families, and jobs, with interests and goals outside of their cancer. They can do that because of innovative treatments that lengthen life with a good quality of life. 

Question: Can you share a success story or breakthrough in metastatic breast cancer research that has been particularly impactful or promising? 
Answer: In estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer subtypes, average survival is over 5 years, mainly due to the impact of CDK inhibitors and HER2-directed antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates. 

Question: How has the funding from events like the METGala SCV contributed to advancements in metastatic breast cancer treatment and patient care? 
Answer: Breast cancer research needs to be funded at all levels, from small pilot projects to large Phase III studies of therapies nearing FDA approval. Funds should come from various sources not limited to pharmaceutical companies to ensure a breadth of research topics and innovative thinking. 

Question: What challenges do researchers face when working in metastatic breast cancer, and how can our community support their efforts?
Answer: Financial resources are generally scarce, with great competition for projects across the entire breast cancer spectrum, from prevention to treatment of advanced disease.  Raising funds directed at metastatic breast cancer research ensures distribution into that space. 

Question: How can individuals without scientific backgrounds contribute to raising awareness and supporting metastatic breast cancer research?
Answer: They can partner with scientific researchers. An open exchange of ideas is needed to identify areas most in need and formulate a plan to address those unmet needs. 

Question: What are the current gaps or unmet needs in metastatic breast cancer research, and how can events like ours help address them?
Answer: By bringing together patients, advocates, researchers, and the community at large to raise funds specifically for metastatic breast cancer and for pilot projects that may otherwise go unfunded. 

Question: How can we bridge the gap between research advancements and access to innovative patient treatments?
Answer: Advocating for fast-track FDA drug approvals and funding patient support programs. 

Question: Looking to the future, what are the most promising areas of research that could bring us closer to finding a cure for metastatic breast cancer?
Answer: Harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer. 

With great sadness, we announce the passing of our dear friend and co-chair, Dr. Amy Steffe Lohmann. Amy was a tireless advocate for the fight against metastatic breast cancer, and her courage, resilience, and dedication inspired us all. Her family, friends, and the entire metastatic breast cancer community will miss her deeply.

At this year's MetGala SCV, we will present something special in honor of Amy's legacy. We will share more details about this tribute in the coming weeks, but we wanted to let you know that we will do something special to celebrate her life and work.

Amy's story reminds us of the importance of our mission, and her memory will continue to guide us in our efforts to create a future where metastatic breast cancer is no longer a terminal diagnosis. Join us on September 9th, 2023, as we pay tribute to Amy and all those who have fought this battle. Together, we'll keep her spirit alive and work towards a brighter future for everyone affected by metastatic breast cancer.

Thank you for supporting the MetGala SCV and the fight against metastatic breast cancer.

Sincerely,

The MetGala SCV Team

At the young age of 41 I decided to get my first mammogram. That mammogram turned into an ultrasound which turned into a biopsy which turned into a phone call from my doctor that I had breast cancer. I was shocked. I was very active and felt healthy working as a dermatology representative and raising my three young children who were 3, 5 & 9 at the time. To make matters worse, I had a PET scan which determined that the cancer was not simply in my breast, but it was also up and down my spine, in my hips and there were innumerable breast cancer tumors in my liver. For this reason, I was immediately considered a metastatic breast cancer patient.

Before I was even allowed to begin chemotherapy, I was immediately rushed to the hospital to get a prophylactic rod placed in my left femur to prevent the cancer from eating away my hip!  Thanks to wonderful medications and research, I am here today four years later to tell the story. It's not easy living with MBC. For example, I have had the cancer spread to my brain which was daunting to say the least. Another more obvious example is that I spend every day wondering if I will live long enough to watch my kids graduate from high school, or even elementary school. ​

​METAvivor has been an inspiration and passion of mine because they allocate money to institutions that are specially focused on identifying more treatments for the already metastatic patient.  Furthermore, 100% of the donations to METAvivor go directly towards research. I am alive today and getting infusions every three weeks because of previous research. 

In between fighting cancer, you will see me hanging out with my husband Jon and our new puppy, cheering on my 3 children at baseball, basketball and soccer or catching up with family & friends. My dream is to be 70 years old and still thriving.