WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A North Carolina woman was among more than 100 people with Metastatic Breast Cancer who took their fight to our nation's capital Friday. Their goal--  raise awareness about the lack of funding. Spectrum News anchor Tara Herrschaft was there as they spread their message. 

"We need research not ribbons.” That was one of the many phrases chanted during the Stage IV Stampede. These warriors are talking about research for Metastatic Breast Cancer, a disease that's underfunded and kills 40,000 people each year.

Metastatic Breast Cancer, or MBC, is also known as Stage IV. It’s cancer that has spread to other organs.

Rhonda Howell, a Wake Forest mother, has been fighting MBC for more than two years. She is among the 100 plus, who came to Washington, DC to take part in Metavivor’s 2nd annual Stage IV Stampede.

"We want to live,” said Rhonda. “That's why we're here to rally for more funding for research, so hopefully they can find more drugs to keep us alive."

Right now less than 10 percent of research funds goes towards MBC.  A shocking statistic that has reached hollywood. Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino has lost two friends to MBC and is continuing their fight for them.

"That's the only kind of breast cancer that kills people, so you would think that's where the money would go,” explained Sorvino.

Once the group marched to Capitol Hill they held a die in. Howell and others represented the 113 people who die everyday from MBC.

"It was even harder for me with my mom here. I mean I love that my mom came to support me, she's a great mom, but my mom was crying on the ground thinking about me dying and I'm 38 and I have a 5 year old son. And the thought of my son growing up without me is devastating. And the thought of having to bury her daughter is devastating to her."

Then these warriors took their message inside as they met with lawmakers to stress the need for funding, support and other critical issues.

But with this continued call to action, Howell and others are hopeful for change. "It's really exciting to feel like we have a voice,” said Howell.

Studies show 20 to 30 percent of women with an early stage of breast cancer will eventually progress to MBC. Therefore advocates are asking lawmakers to designate 30 percent of research funds.

If you would like to donate to Metavivor, click here.

Rhonda Howell is also hosting a fundraiser in Raleigh in April. It’s called Triangle Metsquerade. For details on the event visit here.

The Metavivor.org site in this article is not managed by Spectrum News. For more information on how the site works and the rules visit http://www.metavivor.org/about-us/contact-us/.