Words matter: Share your #4forStageIV

Last year our class kicked off #4forStageIV – a social media campaign that was geared around four words we wish people knew about metastatic breast cancer.

Having lived with stage IV breast cancer at the time for six years, I was able to utilize these four words: Patience. Inclusion. Reinvention. And Cherish. I still believe in these words this year, the next year, and forever.

The impact of this campaign was so vital. I remember one of the first people I tagged to spread the word for their words was one of my Metastatic Breasties, Chawnte Randall, who now is no longer with us. Who knew she would be gone just the next month? Chawnte’s words were Recovery, Adapt, Joy, and Quality.

Chawnte Randall

The most powerful of her words was ADAPT -- to ever-changing health changes. That is so real. This disease can be ruthless. All the words we say have meaning, a real power. My most powerful word is CHERISH. We (and others) must cherish each moment, minute, and day. Life changes constantly. Do what you can, while you can, until you CAN’T. Seize each good and bad moment, because this disease is terminal, and there is no predicting what may lie ahead.

Share your #4forStageIV

The 2021 Hear My Voice class launches their #4forStageIV campaign on Wednesday, October 13, in honor of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Join us in sharing the realities of what it is like to live with metastatic breast cancer. Learn more about this year’s campaign and how you can participate.