Metavivor Announces Its Participation In The "Cancer Moonshot" Initiative

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Oct. 17, 2016 - PRLog -- METAvivor Research and Support Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC), announced its participation in the Cancer Moonshot Initiative. In collaboration with the Metastasis Research Society, METAvivor has committed to funding $1 million in metastasis research grants in 2017, and $2 million in 2018 – all focused on Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer (also known as Stage IV or advanced stage cancer) is the spread of breast cancer to non-adjacent parts of the body – most commonly to the bones, liver, lungs and/or brain. Currently, metastatic breast cancer is minimally treatable, but not survivable. Much of the current metastatic cancer research is focused on preventing metastasis rather than trying to save the lives of those who have already metastasized. Metastatic breast cancer accounts for 100% of the more than 40,000 annual deaths due to breast cancer. Since its 2009 inception, METAvivor has funded close to $2.4 million in research grants focused on the already-metastasized patient. 100% of all donations are committed to metastasis research, and research grants are awarded through a scientific peer review process led by career metastasis researchers.

The national Cancer Moonshot Task Force, led by Vice President Joe Biden, is focused on making a decade's worth of progress in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer in five years - ultimately striving to end cancer as we know it. On Monday, October 17, Vice President Biden will unveil a new set of Federal actions, private sector actions and collaborative partnerships, including METAvivor's commitment to further advance the goals of the Cancer Moonshot Task Force. More information on the Cancer Moonshot can be found here https:/www.whitehouse.gov/CancerMoonshot.

CJ "Dian" Corneliussen-James, co-founder and Interim President of METAvivor, said, "METAvivor, in partnership with the Metastasis Research Society, is pleased to participate in the national Cancer Moonshot initiative. By committing to increasing our research grants over the next two years, we aim to take our grant program to the next level by providing larger, more comprehensive grants. Our goal is to support more extensive research that we hope will extend and improve the quality of life for Stage IV patients."

ABOUT METAVIVOR

METAvivor Research and Support Inc. is an Annapolis-based, 501(c)(3), volunteer-led, non-profit organization founded by metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients in 2009. METAvivor raises awareness of MBC, provides support for people living with this disease, and offers many opportunities for others to help make a difference for the metastatic community. 100% of all donations made to METAvivor go to fund critical research that will lead to advances in treatment options, quality of life and survival for patients diagnosed with MBC.

Since 2009, METAvivor has expanded nationwide and awarded 26 research grants totaling close to $2,400,000. METAvivor has gained a rapidly growing following within the breast cancer community and has become a leader in its field. METAvivor is the only national organization with a peer-reviewed grant program aimed at exclusively funding MBC research.

Visit us at www.METAvivor.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.