The Inaugural LKN Metsquerade

When More Research is Needed

Lake norman metsquerade raises funds for deadLy cancer

by Allie Spencer photography courtesy of Adiba Barney

WBTV former news anchor Paul Cameron will serve as emcee of the Metsquerade.

For more information on how to donate to the Lake Norman Metsquerade, visit lakenormanmets.org or contact Adiba Barney adiba@metavivor.com, 917.767.0077.

Lake Norman resident Adiba Barney is on a mission to transform the outcome of terminal cancer.

Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at the age of 37, Barney is determined to create change when it comes to living with MBC. MBC is the incurable and terminal stage of breast cancer, where the cancer cells have spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.

At age 44, Barney says she’s one of the lucky ones. “Only 25 percent of MBC patients live longer than 5 years…I’ve lived longer than most and want to make sure others get that chance too,” she says. One way she is doing that is by organizing Lake Norman’s first annual Metsquerade Gala to raise funds for MBC.

Barney, a former Silicon Valley executive, is on the board of Metavivor, a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that funds MBC research. Metavivor has aided volunteers who have planned “Metsquerade” galas in other major cities, successfully raising millions of dollars, and Barney thought Lake Norman would be a good fit for this type of fundraising event.

“The community is so tight knit…people are known to be generous with their time and money, so I felt like I had a lot to work with in our area and it’s a nice way for the community to come together every fall,” she says.

She initially started planning the fundraiser in 2019, but the idea was shelved due to the pandemic. On Sept. 23 her vision will finally come to fruition in the ballroom at the Peninsula Club. Guests will enjoy an evening emceed by WBTV’s former top news anchor Paul Cameron, a cocktail hour, 3-course sit down dinner, live entertainment by singer/songwriter Spencer Rush, silent auction and keynote speakers. Most importantly, all of the proceeds raised will go towards MBC research in the form of grants that are awarded through a scientific peer-review process. Adiba’s goal is to name a $250,000 research grant after the Lake Norman Metsquerade.

There are several opportunities for sponsors and donors to make an impact at the Lake Norman Metsquerade--from monetary donations, corporate partnerships, table sponsorships, and donating low and high value unique silent auction items. All donations can be made via lakenormanmets.org or by contacting Barney directly.

When it comes to the gala, Barney says she wants to tell the truth about breast cancer. “It’s become so pink and survivor this, warrior that, and we’ve forgotten about people dying from the disease,” she says.

Approximately 30 percent of people initially diagnosed with early stage breast cancer will go on to be diagnosed with MBC, yet only 5-7 percent of funds donated to breast cancer organizations go towards MBC research. Barney stresses that there needs to be more of a research focus on the terminal stage, so that one day MBC can be treated like a chronic disease, one that patients can live with and manage for many years.

“I want to make sure my son knows I did everything in my power to change the outcome of this disease not just for myself but for other Moms as well. That’s my mission in life, and I’ve applied everything from my career to help make change and create impact in MBC,” she says.