A New Chapter
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25 years. 2 days. 1 hour.
That was from the day I asked my wife to go steady at 18 to the moment we parted worlds. We grew up together. Through heaven and hell. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) tried to rob us of our last 10.5 years but it only ignited fires within us to chase life harder. 🚀
“The patient experience is just as important as the treatments. We have to do something to change this story.”
Here we are. October. Breast Cancer Awareness month.
🦄 I founded Unicorn in August of 2022, just three months after Janice passed. I was on a 6 month grieving leave of absence. I folded from society, often finding myself in the mountains. Aside from the help of two close friends (who became my amazing board members and fundraising champions), I spent the next 12 months trying to do most things solo. I had the cancer knowledge. The mental weight was heavy, so I was afraid to move faster.
We did exceed our humble fundraising goals for 2022 and funded incredible MBC programs, yet I felt two things were still missing.
Voice and Action
So this past month, I started to reach out for help. To learn from others. To uncover real unmet needs. To do field work. What I learned was a huge blow to my heart. There were days of crying, days I couldn’t even eat. In parallel, however, came opportunities beyond my wildest expectations. Chances to find my own voice. A voice to represent. A voice for larger influence. For MBC. For caregivers. I may be way over my head, but I'm going for it. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable, Janice always said.
As a result, there’s a lot of collaboration in the next few months. I’m grateful 🙏🏼. Here goes:
October
📣 Breast Cancer panel @ Google - representing MBC and caregivers, I spoke on a panel to kick off BC awareness month events. My co-panelists and host embodied the epitome of courage and resilience, all impacted by BC.
🏛️ Discussions on Capitol Hill, DC - next week, speaking to members and offices of Congress to gain more sponsors and votes to advance legislation for MBC support and research (w/ ~280 MBC advocates and Metavivor).
❤️ Support the Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic at MD Anderson - through sponsoring donation match challenges to encourage fundraising as part of the annual Boot Walk campaign. We just matched $5k, after $10k was raised!
📖 Getting published - my heartfelt MBC essay was accepted to be published in the October magazine issue of one of the most well regarded young breast cancer creative communities - Wildfire! Writing was part of my healing.
November
🥾 Boot Walk march, Houston - joining the #1 fundraising team supporting the ABC Clinic (see above) and made up of MBC thrivers, in Houston, for the annual MD Anderson Boot Walk charity event.
🎀 Charity gala - I was generously invited to briefly speak at a charity "Hatwalk" 👒 gala for the amazing Asian American Cancer Support Network, raising funds to support unmet needs in the Bay Area, including MBC. Wonderful chance to partner-up!
December
🎙️ Podcast opportunity - I was also invited to be on the Wildfire podcast! I will read my essay, followed by a conversation around the story and MBC caregiver spouse experience.
I am humbled and kind of terrified - won’t lie. It's not about me though. A seasoned charity founder once said to just show up. I am. And I’m going to leverage over a decade's worth of lived MBC experience, with my force Janice, to move ahead with heart ❤️🩹 and fire 🔥. Might just need to build some wings on the way there.
For each person living with MBC and those who care for them - we SEE you and we HEAR you. My voice is YOUR voice. For others who believe, join and support us! Let’s Unicorn! 🦄
Lastly, we wouldn’t be here without the support of our generous friends and donors. Thank you.
In health & gratitude,
Wang, Founder
Unicorn cancer thrivers is improving the quality of life for those affected by MBC. 100% of donations go directly to support MBC thrivers. Support us with a donation here and help bring hope & healing to the MBC community.
