We call our team The Elephant in the Pink Room because metastatic or Stage 4 breast cancer is the possibility most breast cancer providers and patients don’t want to talk about, but it’s a reality that many of us have to face. Most of the pink ribbon movement focuses on early detection and access to treatment. But sometimes things are more complicated. And breast cancer can metastasize even after early detection and aggressive treatments, as happened to me.

That elephant crashed into our lives and we have to deal with it every day, in every way, because I (Susannah, the mom) have metastatic breast cancer and have been actively fighting it for over 5 years. We chose to see this elephant as a symbol of our collective strength, endurance, and love. Not only are elephants powerful and thick-skinned, they are also intelligent, communicative, and affectionate. They form very strong social bonds, show empathy, and care for the sick and injured - all attributes of the communities of care that we need in our lives while fighting cancer.

Despite having a lot more treatments available today than in the past, there is still no actual cure for metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, access to medical care for timely diagnosis and treatment is inequitable and uncertain. We need an actual cure. For our family, advocating for a cure is personal and necessary. 

This year, my daughter and I have registered for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of our fundraising efforts.