MBCRC Advocate Researcher Program (MARP)
The goal of MARP is to introduce researchers and advocates to begin building relationships that improve cancer research.
To accomplish this goal, we created a program that provides a forum for advocates and researchers to be paired at MBCRC to get to know one another then spend the conference learning the science together in sessions, over meals, and during the poster session. The long-term goal is to establish relationships that last, allowing the advocates and researchers to work together to improve cancer research focused on metastatic disease.
The responses for the inaugural program were overwhelming - we ended up creating 21 pairs at MBCRC in Utah in August 2023!
MRS Advocate Researcher Program (MetARP)
We hosted the program again, but this time at the Metastasis Research Society (MRS) 20th Biennial Congress in London in June 2024. We created 5 pairs of advocates and researchers.
MBCRC Reference Document
Created by Martha Carlson, Christine Hodgdson, Kelly Shanahan, Hillary Andrews, and Pavitra Viswanath
Patient Advocate Video Education
It is our pleasure to introduce our new initiative PAVE – Patient Advocate Video Education. Below you will find a series of videos highlighting the latest in metastatic breast cancer research. What makes PAVE unique is that the interviews were conducted by patient advocates living with metastatic breast cancer.
Dr. Rob Clarke - Manchester Breast Centre
Dr. Timothy Pluard - St. Lukes Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer
The Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for helping make this project possible:
Dr. Mark Burkard - University of Wisconsin - Carbone Cancer Center
Dr. Minetta Liu - Mayo Clinic
*Please note: Theresa’s Research Foundation and its sponsors have had no influence on the development of this video series.
What’s next?
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Has been submitted to Nature Breast Cancer
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Established to help guide future direction.
The committee is currently developing the application form and requirements. We will develop an online educational course that will include webinars and resources. We will have a login access on our revamped website. A certificate will be provided for completing the online program.
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3-5 pairs will receive funding to attend an in-person program. This will include an online educational program and then attending an in-person conference that will include multiple opportunities for everyone to connect and strengthen partnerships. A requirement to complete the program will be writing a joint blog about there experiences. They will receive a certificate for completing the program.