Charlotte Students Form Initiative to Combat Metastatic Cancer
Charlotte, N.C. — Three students from Marvin Ridge High School have launched a nonprofit organization to raise awareness and support for metastatic cancer, a serious and often fatal condition. The initiative, named The Metastatic Cancer Initiative, was created by Kaylee Tedjo, Claireese Tedjo, and Arnan Gao in response to a personal connection with the disease.
Raising Awareness and Support
The students began their project during the summer of 2024, driven by the impact of metastatic cancer on a loved one. Kaylee, a senior, shared, “This was something that hit hard for all of us. My friend has a close relationship with that person as well.” Their personal experiences have fueled a drive to provide the community with valuable information about metastatic cancer.
Metastatic cancer, also known as stage 4 cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread from a primary tumor to other parts of the body, causing new tumors to form. This complication adds to the already challenging journey for patients and their families. The trio is committed to offering up-to-date information on treatment options, patient experiences, and practical advice through educational resources.
Community Engagement
The group hosts question-and-answer sessions that empower community members to make informed health decisions. Their social media account, @metastatic_cancer_initiative on Instagram, features advocacy posts aimed at raising awareness. They also maintain a website where they publish blogs written by a diverse group of international contributors.
With guests logging from 25 different countries, the website facilitates interviews with metastatic cancer patients, doctors, and experts who provide unique insights into the disease. Much of their audience consists of peers from Marvin Ridge High School, who show support and interest in contributing to the initiative.
Advocacy Efforts
In addition to providing education, the students are taking significant steps to influence policy. They are working alongside the National Breast Cancer Coalition to advocate for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. This legislation, introduced by Connecticut Senator Christopher Murphy in March 2023, aims to improve access to affordable care for patients.
Kaylee noted that their initiative has 15 official ambassadors across various states who send persuasive messages to their state representatives to support on this important act. The proposed legislation seeks to expedite the payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and ensure quicker eligibility for Medicare coverage for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
Impact on Patients
Understanding the emotional and physical challenges faced by patients with metastatic cancer is central to the trio’s mission. Kaylee explained, “Patients with metastatic cancer are often told that their hopes for getting the disease cured are unrealistic. Because we’ve seen the impact it has on these patients, that’s why we wanted to start this specifically for metastatic cancer.”
Future Initiatives
The Metastatic Cancer Initiative continues to expand its outreach and educational efforts. The bake sale held recently at Rea Farms in Charlotte, where the group sold baked goods to raise funds and promote awareness, is just one of their many community engagement events planned. The trio hopes that by sharing their initiative, they can create a ripple effect that leads to greater awareness and understanding of metastatic cancer.
Their passion and dedication reflect a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by metastatic cancer, ensuring no one has to face this journey alone.
