Patient-led nonprofit spotlights its exclusive focus on metastatic breast cancer research, $200,000 raised at NYFW and a limited-edition Shaneli jewelry collaboration
ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cancer Culture is drawing attention to a critical distinction: its mission is focused specifically on funding research for Stage IV, or metastatic, breast cancer — the advanced form of the disease that remains incurable.
Unlike broader breast cancer awareness initiatives, the patient-led nonprofit prioritizes research aimed at improving treatments and finding cures for people living with Stage IV disease. Cancer Culture has raised more than $600,000 over the past year, including $200,000 through its seventh annual New York Fashion Week Runway Experience, and directs 100% of donations to metastatic breast cancer research, without deducting operating expenses.
"Awareness alone is not enough," said Beth Love, Co-Founder of Cancer Culture, who lives with Stage IV breast cancer. "We need to turn attention into meaningful research funding that advances treatments and brings us closer to cures."
FASHION WITH A PURPOSE
Cancer Culture's seventh annual Runway Experience at Thompson Central Park in New York City featured breast cancer patients, survivors and previvors as runway models, raising $200,000 for curative-intent metastatic breast cancer research.
Featured designers included Dressed in LALA, AnaOno, Kate Hewko, Madison Chamberlain, Cosmic Collective and ADG Boston, with Dolce Vita as Premier Shoe Partner.
Beyond the runway, Cancer Culture joined Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thrivers currently fighting for their lives in a Times Square protest demanding greater attention and funding specifically for Stage IV research. The demonstration underscored why this often-overlooked research priority is central to Cancer Culture's mission.
Continuing to unite fashion and philanthropy, Cancer Culture is introducing "Strength in Every Shade," a limited-edition jewelry collaboration with Shaneli for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The handcrafted collection features pink stones, black diamonds and colors inspired by the Cancer Culture logo, including teal, purple and green. Signature designs include a symbolic ribbon necklace and diamond floral rings.
Proceeds will benefit Cancer Culture's metastatic breast cancer research mission. Shop the collection: https://shaneli.com/collections/cancer-culture
MISSION ROOTED IN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Founded in 2022 by breast cancer advocates Beth Love and Rachel Burns, Cancer Culture was created to amplify patient voices and direct critical funding toward research for Stage IV disease.
"As a breast cancer survivor, I've seen too many lives lost to metastatic disease," said Rachel Burns, Co-Founder of Cancer Culture. "We need more than awareness. We need research focused on finding cures so that metastatic breast cancer is no longer a terminal diagnosis."
As October 13 marks Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Cancer Culture urges individuals and businesses to prioritize Stage IV research and the patients whose lives depend on it.
Awareness gets attention. Stage IV research creates change.
ABOUT CANCER CULTURE
Cancer Culture is a patient-led nonprofit distinguished by its dedicated focus on Stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer research. Through advocacy, storytelling, fashion and fundraising, the organization works to advance research toward better treatments and cures for metastatic disease. Inspired by the legacy of metastatic breast cancer advocate Champagne Joy, Cancer Culture directs 100% of donations to metastatic breast cancer research.
Learn more at www.cancerculture.org.
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SOURCE Cancer Culture
