Julia Maués co-founded the Patient-Centered Dosing Initiative (PCDI) and has led it since the passing of Anne Loeser, whose vision shaped its mission to promote cancer dosing strategies that balance effectiveness with patient tolerability. She also co-founded GRASP (Guiding Researchers & Advocates to Scientific Partnerships), which connects researchers and advocates to ensure patient voices influence cancer research. Drawing from her own experience as a metastatic breast cancer patient, Julia is committed to improving patient outcomes and fostering inclusivity in healthcare.

Amy, a former biology professor, was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer in 2017. After initial treatment the cancer metastasized in 2020, forcing her to retire. She then dedicated herself to advocacy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC), focusing on research and education.

Amy now works with various organizations including Project Life, a virtual wellness house for those living with MBC and their caregivers, and METAvivor, utilizing her background to educate, mentor, and advocate for others with MBC. As an MBC patient she is excited to work with the PCDI to bring awareness about and continued research to patient centered dosing.

Martha Carlson was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer after a lung biopsy in January 2015. Soon after her diagnosis, Martha started writing about her experience of living with stage IV cancer. She is a contributing Voices writer for Cure and other magazines.

Martha believes in the power of connection within the cancer community, and enjoys co-hosting the podcast Our MBC Life, where she interviews oncologists, researchers, and other MBC patients. Outside of PCDI, Martha is a patient advocate on research teams focused on cancer, communication, and quality of life issues.

Jo Lynn was diagnosed de novo with Metastatic Breast Cancer in February 2019. A mother, sister, and teacher with a specialty in Special Education for young children, she has always been passionate about advocacy, both personally and professionally. Throughout her career, Jo Lynn has worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer, taught at a high school, and supported military veterans as a tutor while living in Germany as a former Army spouse.

Now, she focuses on helping those with MBC by connecting them with resources and support through education and relationship-building. Jo Lynn is dedicated to empowering others to live with peace, joy, and intention.

Janice was diagnosed with stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer in 2011, followed by a metastatic recurrence in 2016. A retired nurse, she became a passionate advocate for research and improving the quality of life for MBC patients. She completed advocacy training with Living Beyond Breast Cancer and NBCC’s Project LEAD.

Dedicated to advancing research, Janice attends multiple scientific conferences annually and collaborates with researchers to influence treatment options. By sharing her story, she aims to inspire hope and improve outcomes for others in the metastatic breast cancer community.

Upon developing metastatic breast cancer 22 years after my primary lesion, I began to research how this delayed invasion of my spine could occur. I learned about dormancy and chose to turn my anger and fear into activism. I am a member of the Alliance because I believe in this organization’s mission to advance research to treat metastatic disease and to advance access to optimal care for all who are living with MBC.

 As a physician, it’s not surprising that I’m getting more involved in research advocacy at my treatment institution, MSK. I’ve been a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality and am the MSKCC Patient Advocate representative to the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium. I am a Team Leader with the National Breast Cancer Coalition which advocates for research and funding with the Department of Defense program. My most fun as an advocate living with MBC is my involvement with the Our MBC Life podcast sponsored by SHARE Cancer Support.

In 2008, Kelly Shanahan was a busy ob-gyn with a precocious 9-year-old daughter, traveling all over the world with her family to attend conferences. When she was diagnosed with stage IIB breast cancer, she considered it a mere bump in the road.

For five years, breast cancer was an afterthought, until a fractured vertebra and an about to fracture femur led to a MBC diagnosis in 2013. 

Neuropathy from the chemo cost her career, but she has found a new purpose in advocacy. Kelly is on the board of METAvivor, a grant reviewer, and research advocate.

​Stephanie Walker, a resident of rural North Carolina since 2017, is a passionate advocate for Black men and women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). After facing life-altering treatment side effects and limited local support, she turned to online resources to empower herself and now helps others navigate their cancer journey. Stephanie leads the BECOME initiative, serves on the MBCA Executive Group, and volunteers with organizations like LBBC and Komen AIS. She advocates for mental health awareness and increased inclusion in care and clinical trials, striving to ensure no one faces cancer alone.