WHAT WE DO AND WHY
OUR MISSION
At cureMEC, we are driven by one urgent goal: to fund and advance research for Myoepithelial Carcinoma (MEC). Founded in 2022, we raise funds to accelerate scientific discovery and expand education to develop better treatments—and ultimately, a cure—for this ultra-rare cancer.
We spearhead the science. We build the connections. We create the momentum. Because that’s what it takes to move the needle.
But we’re not just focused on treatments—we’re focused on people. That’s why we created the MEC Biobank and Patient Registry: so patients and families can help drive the research forward. Because when you feel powerless, contributing to something bigger can be a way to take some of that power back.
WHAT WE AIM TO ACCOMPLISH
Fund cutting-edge scientific research to advance our knowledge of MEC, find new treatments and ultimately develop a cure for MEC.
Bring together a community of MEC patients, their families, and supporters.
Help MEC patients and families have better access to the information and expert advice they need to make more informed decisions.
Advance a patient-driven research strategy to collect MEC tissue samples and generate the most comprehensive MEC database of clinical, genomic, and molecular data that will be shared with researchers working to discover new MEC treatments.
Advocate for increased funding for rare and pediatric cancer research—both critically underfunded—and work in New Mexico to ensure patients can access specialists and second opinions through telehealth.
Our Story:
The birth of cureMEC
In the fall of 2021, our lives were forever changed. Our beautiful son, Sebastián Casaus Natale—who we affectionately call Sebas—was just two years old when we noticed a small lump on the palm of his hand. What seemed like a minor issue quickly spiraled into a life-altering nightmare. After an ultrasound and a visit to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, we were advised to remove and biopsy the lump. We could never have imagined what would unfold. When we received the results, our hearts broke.
Sebas was diagnosed with Myoepithelial Carcinoma (MEC)—an ultra-rare and aggressive cancer. But the heartbreak didn’t stop there. When we sat down with the doctors, they told us that not a single physician in the hospital—or in the entire state—had ever even heard of this cancer. It had never been studied. There were no treatment protocols. No specialists to turn to. We were told his prognosis was poor, and we were given no clear path forward.
Sebas endured 10 rounds of brutal chemotherapy—treatment we were told might not work, and in the end, didn’t. During that time, from Sebas’ hospital bed, we made a decision that would change everything. We couldn’t sit back and accept the lack of answers. We had to act. And so, cureMEC was born.
At first, we were simply trying to save our son. But very quickly, we realized this wasn’t just about Sebas—it was about every other family who might one day face this same terrifying and devastating diagnosis.
We weren’t just building an organization. We were building the very thing we had needed and couldn’t find.
Watch the cureMEC story here
Sebas’ story is where this all began. But it’s not just his fight anymore. His courage gives us strength every day. And his journey reminds us why this work matters—not in the abstract, but in a deeply real and personal way.
We believe in a future where MEC is no longer an unknown, untreatable disease.
We believe in a future where families don’t have to Google their diagnosis because no one else has answers.
That’s the world we’re building—and we’re doing it with urgency, with community, and with hope.
Our Vision for the Future
Take Action. Find Hope. Drive Change.
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Patients & Families
Recently diagnosed with MEC?
Explore resources to understand your diagnosis, join the MEC Registry, learn about tissue donation and clinical trials, and connect through warrior stories.
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Advancing Research
We partner with scientists, clinicians, and collaborators to accelerate discoveries in MEC.
Access research publications, connect with peers, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge.
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Get Involved
Every voice and every dollar makes a difference.
Join the community, fundraise, donate, and advocate for ultra-rare cancer research—together, we can expand the mission.