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 percent of net proceeds to research, awareness, education and access efforts. MBC, also known as stage 4 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 postdiagnosis. Alarmingly, approximately 30 percent of individuals treated for early-stage breast cancer eventually develop MBC, soon after treatment or 30+ years later.
Although almost one-third of breast cancer patients develop MBC, on average only two to five percent of breast cancer research funds are allocated to MBC. The allocation of breast cancer research funds is not commensurate with patient outcomes. With one in eight women developing breast cancer on average and two to three 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 percent by 2050, with annual deaths rising by 68 percent. 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 highlighted on the beneficiaries tab of the MBCure 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 METAvivor met at this conference. 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 METAvivor.
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. MBC patients can attend any MBCure-hosted event free of charge. MBCure's showcase event is an annual gala, a premier social event in Philadelphia, PA. This black-tie fundraiser draws hundreds of supporters, MBC thrivers and philanthropists each year who are united in the quest for a cure. The gala features a cocktail reception, seated dinner, educational segments, live entertainment, 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 the website, you can find an incredibly moving and informative video from the 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.
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 were 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.