Lisa Mayer had never heard of metastatic breast cancer before she was diagnosed in 2016 with stage IV breast cancer. Since then, she has come to understand the emotional rollercoaster of this cancer diagnosis, and she advocates for others’ well-being by sharing her story. Lisa believes you should be as compassionate with yourself as you are with others and live fully.
We asked Lisa a few questions about her experience with Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s leadership training and the impact it’s had on her advocacy.
What about your personal experience or the experience of someone you know motivated you to become an advocate for people impacted by breast cancer?
I became an advocate through my own personal struggle with having [metastatic breast cancer (MBC)]. I needed a purpose in life, and I knew that I could help others who were also struggling with MBC. I also wanted our lawmakers to prioritize research for MBC. They need to know how important it is to find a cure someday soon, so my daughters don't have to face MBC.
What role has LBBC played in your advocacy?
I wouldn't be in advocacy work today without the training and support LBBC has given me. The Hear My Voice program gave me the tools and support to help me take that first step.
What changes in the breast cancer community do you hope to see as a result of your advocacy?
I would love to see my healthcare providers using LBBC materials, especially for newly diagnosed individuals. I hope lawmakers pass MBC bills to help with the social security disability waiting period, and I hope the women I have shared my story with find someone to pass their stories on to.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned through your advocacy journey?
You are stronger than you think, and if you don't tell your story, how will people learn about MBC? You have to let others' ignorance about MBC not stop you but push you to keep going. Find a mentor or a program like LBBC to help you.
What advice do you have for other people who want to become advocates in the breast cancer community?
Learn from those who came before you, ask questions, and try something once; you won't believe where it will take you.
Discover
Advocates play a major role in Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s work. Whether rallying together to help protect access to reconstruction options or providing emotional support to others impacted by breast cancer-- advocates impact change by lending their time, talents, and voices.
Learn more about the power of advocacy through the stories of advocates in our community.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions of our bloggers represent the views and opinions of the bloggers alone and not those of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Also understand that Living Beyond Breast Cancer does not medically review any information or content contained on, or distributed through, its blog and therefore does not endorse the accuracy or reliability of any such information or content. Through our blog, we merely seek to give individuals creative freedom to tell their stories. It is not a substitute for professional counseling or medical advice.
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Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.
