MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - The Morgans have experienced the life-changing work of METAvivor, and that's why they are teaming with the Millersville football program during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise $10,000 for the organization. 

Melissa, the wife of Millersville head football coach J.C. Morgan, was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer in August 2020 and has battled the disease for five years, continuing to work and serve as a mother to two young, active daughters. The Morgans connected with METAvivor during the early stages of Melissa's treatment, as its research is focused on turning metastatic breast cancer from a terminal diagnosis to a chronic, manageable disease while advocating for more resources for stage four breast cancer and supporting individuals with support groups and finding clinical trials. 

"We believe in this because we are benefiting from what this organization has done," said J.C. "If you had told us five years ago that this is where we would be right now, we would be in a blessed position. Where we are today shows that progress is being made in how treatment and support for stage four breast cancer are being conducted. They directed us to trials and clinicals, and we are living proof that this is a good cause."

Support and research for stage four breast cancer are underfunded. METAvivor found that from 2014-2020, only 13% of all breast cancer research dollars supported metastatic breast cancer. METAvivor directs 90% of gifts directly to metastatic breast cancer research and 10% to supplement grants and operations. 

"It seems that every time we hit a crossroads, there is another option," said J.C. "We've walked along people with incredible stories. We want stage four to be a manageable illness. We want it to go from a diagnosis of months and years to years and decades."

J.C. and Melissa led a fundraiser for METAvivor in October 2022, setting a goal of $5,000 and raising more than $8,000. Now, the Morgans are doubling down on their efforts. The goal is now set at $10,000.

J.C. is rallying his team to the cause as well, pledging his own money for team achievements: $5 for every first down, $10 per sack, $20 for touchdowns and defensive turnovers, and $50 for defensive or special teams touchdowns.

Melissa's grit and resolve through the last five years continue to inspire her family--one that includes nearly 100 young men wearing helmets on Saturdays in the fall. 

"Melissa's journey with breast cancer inspires me daily to live life to the best of my ability," said Morgan. "I see her forge through treatments, numerous appointments, difficult diagnoses from doctors, and medical setbacks. She attacks it in a way that I can only look at with pure amazement. She's been told to quit her job. She's been told to focus on spending quality time with the kids, and yet she continues to fight on in her professional career and as an amazing wife and mother. This gives me tremendous motivation to lead a group of men through the game of football as well as life."

Fans are encouraged to donate to the Millersville Football METAvivor Fundraiser here. QR codes will be displayed throughout Biemesderfer Stadium, allowing fans to make donations from the stadium on game days.