The Uniroyal Tire in Allen Park was lit up in green, pink and teal the night of Oct. 13 in honor of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a world-wide effort. For more information, go to METAvivor.org/LightUpMBC.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
ALLEN PARK – The Uniroyal Tire was bathed in green, teal and pink light Oct. 13, Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, as part of a worldwide campaign to attract more medical research funding.
METAvivor Research and Support, along with Moore Fight Moore Strong, recruited 115 landmarks around the world to shed light on the need for more research funding for treatment options for the deadly disease.
During the Oct. 13 City Council meeting, at which the symbolic tire lighting was announced, City Councilwoman Pamela Sych urged those fighting breast cancer to not give up hope.
“Hope is the thing that keeps us all going,” she said.
Mayor Gail McLeod said those living with the disease would like to see funding increase for research.
She said in addition to lighting up the Allen Park City Hall and Police Department, the B.F. Goodrich/Uniroyal home office in Charlotte, N.C., enthusiastically agreed to participate.
McLeod said that the city of Southgate planned to light up its city hall, library and crosswalk over Dix Highway as well.
“I know an individual who has been dealing with this for a number of years,” she said. “Keep all these individuals in your thoughts and prayers, and do whatever you can to support them.”
Metastatic Breast Cancer, which is fatal, occurs when breast cancer has spread to other organs of the body. Currently, only 5 percent of breast cancer research funding is directed toward MBC, while much of the research focus is on prevention and early detection, the group maintains.
The group reports that while only 6 to 10 percent of initial breast cancer diagnoses are metastatic, 20 to 30 percent of patients diagnosed with an earlier stage of breast cancer will eventually develop MBT, for which more treatment options are needed.
Each of the three colors used as part of the campaign — green, teal and pink — has unique significance. Green signifies life over death, and renewal, hope and immortality.
Teal reflects spirituality and healing. Pink is added as a reminder that the metastatic cancer originated in the breast.
For more information, go to METAvivor.org/LightUpMBC.