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Message From Town Leaders
Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman

Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | October 11, 2024

This Sunday marks a significant day in Scotch Plains in the fight against Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC).

 It is an important day to remember those we've lost and to honor survivors. It's also a time to raise awareness about the horrible disease, while calling for the need for more research. 

To mark National MBC Awareness Day, the Scotch Plains Municipal Building and Village Green on Park Avenue will once again be illuminated in the colors of teal, green, and pink.

Scotch Plains is proud to join each year in the @LightUpMBC global campaign, extending our appreciation to Tami Eagle Bowling, a township resident, who leads the massive effort. There are more than 220 landmarks across all 50 states that will be illuminated in the MBC colors this Sunday.

Tami will be co-hosting #LightUpMBC Live, a virtual benefit, at 8 pm on Sunday. The event will feature inspiring patient stories told from illuminated landmarks around the world.  You can watch on YouTube or Facebook Live. Click here to learn more.

Teal, green and pink are the three colors that symbolize Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, currently incurable. But, through @LightUpMBC and other supporters on an international scale, advancements in treatment have significantly improved outcomes for many patients.

The disease originates in the breast and spreads to nearby lymph nodes and then throughout the body, currently causing 117 deaths per day in the United States. 

Some important statistics, courtesy of the MBC Campaign:

  • Approximately 30% of early-stage breast cancer survivors will have a recurrence as metastatic disease, even after completing successful treatment.
  • Metastases can occur as early as several months to more than 25 years after treatment.
  • 685,000 people a year die from metastatic breast cancer globally. 
  • Only 31% of U.S. MBC patients live longer than 5 years, and only 11% of live longer than 10 years.

One of the most pressing challenges in MBC is the misconception that a Stage IV diagnosis signifies an immediate end to life. While, the disease is currently incurable, it does not necessarily mean that a patient cannot live a fulfilling life for years to come.

Advances in treatment options, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy, have extended survival rates for many patients. By raising awareness about these advancements, as Scotch Plains will do on Sunday, we can join in efforts to dispel the stigma associated with the diagnosis and provide hope for those affected.

One of the key aspects of this awareness event is to spread the word about early detection. Getting diagnosed as quickly as possible can help ensure a more timely and effective treatment intervention, potentially improving outcomes.

As we look to Sunday, I encourage everyone to prioritize regular checkups and screenings. Additionally, supporting caregivers is essential, as they play a vital role in the well-being of patients, who often require pain management, emotional support, and access to resources in our community.

Together, let’s use Sunday’s event as a moment to dispel misconceptions, promote early detection and support those affected in Scotch Plains. Together, we can work to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with this disease, while raising awareness and hope for a bright future when MBC can simply be a manageable condition, not the end of a life.

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