#LightUpMBC Western Pennsylvania Fun Run

Contact Patti Stough at stoughpatti4@gmail.com prior to registering!

#LightUpMBC is an annual global landmark campaign, that shines a light on the importance of awareness and funding for MBC.

Our virtual broadcast #LightUpMBC Live will take place on October 13, 2022 at 9PM ET and feature inspiring stories told by MBC patients, illuminated landmarks and musical guests. The show will be live streamed through LiveOne and viewable on all METAvivor channels including Facebook Live and YouTube @METAvivor and at www.METAvivor.org/LightUpMBC

• Approximately 30% of early stage breast cancer survivors will have a recurrence as metastatic disease
• Metastases can occur as early as several months to 25+ years after treatment
• 685,000 people a year die from metastatic breast cancer globally
• Only 22% of U.S. MBC patients live longer than 5 years, and only 11% of live longer than 10 years
• There is NO CURE for MBC

Mary LaBella Mullen

Mary was diagnosed de novo stage IV in 2011, and is currently being treated with Xeloda and Herceptin. This is her fourth line of treatment, and she has also participated in a clinical trial.

Mary, now 59, lives in Munhall, PA; her son, Patrick, and his wife Kacie live in Denver, Colorado. Family and friends are among Mary’s favorite things in life, along with sunny beaches, finding the good in everything, and enjoying every day, no matter how hard it might be.

Mary says, “I don’t expect people to understand all I go through. I don’t worry about them saying the wrong things; most of the time, I don’t even know what to say. Everyone has their something, no matter how big or small, going on in their life. What I do know is that I’m loved, and that no matter what happens, I have an army of people marching along side of me, and I don’t take that for granted. I fight for those that love me the most, not for me, because there’s been times when I think of saying enough is enough. I have met so many amazing people on this journey, some here and some not, and I’ve learned so much from each of them. My destiny is known, but isn’t all of ours? It’s a matter of luck and when that will run out. I feel lucky every day despite this disease, and while it’s changed me, I value each day more than ever and take nothing for granted. Kind of cliché, but there’s a difference between thinking it, saying it and living it. I do my best to live it.”

Pamela Joy Hogue

Pamela Hogue was diagnosed de novo stage IV at just 28 years old.

Now 35, Pamela lives in Washington, PA, with her dog, Zoey, and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and boyfriend. Fall is her favorite time of year, with its crisp air, cool weather, and comfy clothes. Pamela loves Christmastime and sweet-smelling candles, conversations over a good latte, and long hugs.

Pamela says, “Live every day with purpose and gratitude. You don’t have to backpack through Europe or jump off the Empire State Building; it can be as simple as starting every morning thankful for another day in a healthy body, hugging your kids tightly and being grateful you have them, or making sure your friends know how much you love them and spending time together. All of these things are priceless, and we never know when we don’t get another chance to do them.”

Shannan Mitchell (written with love by her sister, Deb Lopata)

Shannan is 53 and was diagnosed with Metastatic Poorly Differentiated Adenocarcinoma on July 15, 2022. This is her third cancer diagnosis, after having been treated for breast cancer in 2015, then triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma in 2021, which included a double mastectomy. She is expected to begin treatment for this most recent occurrence in early September 2022.

Shannan lives in Baldwin, PA with her best canine pal, Crosby. Her kids, son Thomas (fiancée Kaidia), daughter Meghan (husband Josh), daughter Kaleigh and twin brother Liam (serving in the USAF in Minot, MD) are her biggest supporters and her proudest accomplishments. She is eagerly anticipating her first grandchild, a boy, in mid-September 2022. Shannan is super supportive to her children and all of her huge extended family. She is the first person to volunteer when it comes time to plan a party, cook for a crowd, or assist in picking up a myriad of nieces and nephews from school, daycare or sports activities. No task is beyond her, and she makes it all look easy. Her manner is helpful and gracious. The beach is her vacation destination of choice, but she is happy anywhere her family and friends are gathering.

Shannan says that her life goals remain the same as always.. to live strong (working with her personal trainer, Grant) and happy, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She does, however, have a specific goal of being around long enough to babysit her grandson until he is 30! When talking about any advice she might have for others facing similar health obstacles, she advises that it is important to be open and trusting with your practitioners, and to resist the temptation to consult Dr. Google!