Nonprofit Boosts Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Funds
A breast cancer survivor’s organization is directing funds toward research that historically receives limited support.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Cancer
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Cancer Culture, a nonprofit co-founded by stage 3 breast cancer survivor Rachel Burns, has raised $1.5 million to date to support metastatic breast cancer research. The organization generates these funds through fashion-focused events and designer collaborations.
Why it matters
Metastatic breast cancer has historically received a small fraction of overall breast cancer research funding. By directing 100% of donor funds toward this specific area of study, the organization aims to address a long-standing gap in clinical resource allocation.
Cancer Culture has raised $1.5 million to date, including $600,000 in the past year, to support metastatic breast cancer research. The specific long-term impact of these contributions on clinical trial outcomes remains to be seen.
The players
Rachel Burns
A stage 3 breast cancer survivor who co-founded Cancer Culture to address research funding disparities.
Beth Love
A co-founder of Cancer Culture who helps manage the organization's mission to fund metastatic cancer research.
The details
The nonprofit leverages the platform of New York Fashion Week to host runway shows that feature breast cancer patients as models. These events, alongside limited-edition jewelry collaborations, serve as the primary vehicles for generating donations. All net proceeds are dedicated exclusively to advancing scientific research for metastatic breast cancer, which remains an area with limited financial support compared to other cancer types.
Timeline
Rachel Burns received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013.
Cancer Culture was founded in 2022.
The organization raised $200,000 at a September 2026 runway show.
Health Landscape
Metastatic breast cancer has long faced a significant research funding deficit compared to other breast cancer stages. This effort represents a targeted approach to bridge that gap through unconventional advocacy and community-based fundraising.
Individuals navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or supporting those who are can monitor the research landscape for new clinical advancements funded by targeted initiatives. It is worth discussing current research trials and treatment options with your oncology team to understand the most up-to-date care.
The takeaway
Metastatic breast cancer research remains a critical area with a historical funding gap that advocacy groups are actively trying to close. If you are interested in how current research developments might impact your care, consult your physician about ongoing clinical trials.
Further reading
For more on the research and treatment landscape, see Cancer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTOP.
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