by Dr. Nicole Beck Clifford, MBCure Co-Founder & Board Member | LinkedIn
MBCure is a family-driven initiative committed to transforming the landscape of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) by allocating 100% of net proceeds to research, awareness, education, and access efforts. MBC, also known as Stage IV Breast Cancer, occurs when cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones, and/or brain. It remains the only form of breast cancer that is fatal, with patients surviving an average of 24 to 36 months post-diagnosis. Alarmingly, approximately 30% of individuals treated for early-stage breast cancer will eventually develop MBC – maybe soon after or maybe 30+ years down the line.
Despite more than 35% of breast cancer patients developing MBC, only 2-5% of breast cancer research funds are allocated to MBC on average. The allocation of breast cancer research funds is not commensurate with patient outcomes. With 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer on average, and 2 to 3 of them developing MBC, this is unacceptable. This gap in funding is a significant barrier to improving survivorship outcomes for patients.
As Dr. Joanne Kim stated in a WHO report released in February 2025, “every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease, and these statistics are worsening.” This report cited that breast cancer cases are expected to rise by 38% by 2050, with annual deaths rising by 68%. At MBCure, we believe that if we want to move the needle on survivorship outcomes, then we must invest in the form of the disease that is fatal – Metastatic Breast Cancer.
The MBCure Board has been unwavering in its dedication to funding MBC initiatives. To date, they have proudly contributed over $1.4 million and counting toward finding a cure. Their mission encompasses a multifaceted approach – not only funding groundbreaking research but also enhancing awareness, providing education, and democratizing access to high-quality resources for all affected by MBC. They are also passionate about helping people understand their breast cancer risk and debunking fallacies about breast cancer. As they highlight on the beneficiaries tab of their website, providing MBC patients with opportunities like attending the Thriving Together: 2025 Conference on Metastatic Breast Cancer hosted by Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) is critical. For example, the co-founders of MET UP, an activist group formed to lobby for more MBC research funding, met at this MBC conference hosted by LBBC. As this example underscores, having a multifaceted approach to a CURE, as MBCure does, is vital; supporting initiatives aside from research can lead to great progress too, such as the founding of an organization like MET UP.
As a new organization, MBCure is working hard to create a supportive community for patients and loved ones by hosting experiences that yield lasting memories and offer hope to those affected by this devastating disease. For any event they host, MBC patients can attend free of charge. MBCure's showcase event is their annual gala, a premier social event in Philadelphia, PA. This black-tie fundraiser draws hundreds of supporters, MBC thrivers, and philanthropists each year united in the quest for a cure. The gala features a cocktail reception, seated dinner, educational segments, live entertainment, both silent and live auctions offering coveted items and experiences, and much more.
Core components of all MBCure events include improving education and enhancing awareness; on the events tab of their website, you can find an incredibly moving and informative video from their recent gala featuring MBC thrivers. Be sure to follow MBCure on social media and join their listserv to stay updated regarding the 2026 MBCure Gala and additional events they will offer.
The recent launch of the organization is a testament to the dedication of the MBCure Board. Their commitment is fueled by two family members who they sadly lost to this disease. As MBCure looks to the future, they remain steadfast in their mission to revolutionize the MBC landscape. With the continued support of the community, they are poised to make significant strides in the fight against Metastatic Breast Cancer, moving closer to a world where a cure is within reach.