Meet Beth Fairchild

Beth Fairchild is a mother, artist and yogi living with metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Beth's mBC diagnosis in 2014 came as a surprise. She had never experienced a palpable lump in her breast and one week prior to receiving her mBC diagnosis she had undergone a mammogram in which she received clear results. But breast cancer was nothing new to Beth. Sadly, her mother had been previously diagnosed with Stage 2 and her paternal grandmother died of mBC when she was just 33 years old.

Following her diagnosis, Beth was surprised with how much more there was to learn about the disease and realized that the metastatic population was underrepresented. She started a virtual protest that turned into a social media movement to raise awareness for mBC using the hashtag #DontlgnoreStagelV. This movement connected her to METAvivor, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of advanced breast cancer and equity in research and patient support, where she currently serves as the Director of #Cancerland, an annual fashion show which raises funds for METAvivor.

Beth works as a professional tattoo artist and specializes in permanent cosmetics and areola complex tattooing for women and men who have experienced breast surgery. Beth enjoys the outdoors, traveling with her husband David and spending time with her new grandson as well as her children and pets.

Photographed by Lynn Johnson

Beth Fairchild is a mother, artist and yogi living with metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Beth's mBC diagnosis in 2014 came as a surprise. She had never experienced a palpable lump in her breast and one week prior to receiving her mBC diagnosis she had undergone a mammogram in which she received clear results. But breast cancer was nothing new to Beth. Sadly, her mother had been previously diagnosed with Stage 2 and her paternal grandmother died of mBC when she

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Despite her mBC diagnosis, Beth radiates positivity and life. She does not allow mBC to define her; instead she draws strength from everything it has taught her.

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People living with mBC undergo regular tests and scans to monitor their condition. These situations can cause emotional unease – often known as “scanxiety.” It refers to the anxiety that occurs in the days surrounding these events.

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It’s important to share your wishes and needs with your doctor. Beth discusses how critical it is to find a doctor that you feel comfortable having open and honest conversations with.

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Sometimes support is a helping paw instead of a helping hand. Beth’s pets are a source of comfort when life feels overwhelming.

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Beth calls upon her yoga breathing to get her through the discomfort of getting her port cleaned.

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Life doesn't stop after an mBC diagnosis. For Beth, even the small tasks are huge accomplishments!

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Beth shares where she draws strength as a mother, wife and woman living with mBC.

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Finding your calm is an essential part of living with mBC. For Beth, it's practicing yoga as the sun sets on Emerald Isle, NC.

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Beth works as a professional tattoo artist and specializes in permanent cosmetics and areola complex tattooing for women and men who have undergone breast surgery.

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Beth takes a moment to reflect on the importance of her support system. Because of their unconditional love and support, she knows that she is never alone.

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Inhale and exhale – Beth takes deep breaths as her doctor listens to her lungs.

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Self-love post diagnosis is a hard and long process. Beth rediscovers the love for her body after a mastectomy.

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For some people living with mBC, like Beth, meditation is a powerful tool to block out all the negative noise.

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Explaining mBC to your family can be one of the hardest parts of living with mBC. Beth prides herself on being open and honest with her daughters, Cylest and Leigh Ann, no matter how difficult the conversations can be.

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Beth reflects on her mBC diagnosis – the impact it has had on her life, her new outlook and her role as a patient advocate.