Arlene Garcia’s Story
20th Anniversary Boston Model, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Where are you in your metastatic breast cancer journey now?
Arlene is continuing to live with metastatic breast cancer, and this season has brought many changes.
There has been progression in her brain tumors, liver, and bones. Her doctors have discussed whole brain radiation, and Arlene is seeking more information, asking questions, and hoping to explore every possible option before deciding what comes next.
“Side effects are really so hard,” she says.
Arlene has been experiencing double vision, balance challenges, tremors, dryness throughout her body, and the painful reality of slowly losing her hair again.
“I’m hanging in there,” she says despite this.
Still, even in the middle of progression, appointments, uncertainty, and fear, Arlene continues to hold onto hope.
“I am hoping that my treatment will work,” she says.
What keeps you going?
For Arlene, so much of her hope comes from her children.
Even as her own health has become more complicated, she lights up when she talks about them. Her daughter recently graduated from middle school and received five special awards. Her artwork has been recognized, including a book project connected to New York City public schools. She is now a high schooler, continuing to grow in Taekwondo, and already thinking about becoming an oncology nurse in college.
Arlene’s pride is impossible to miss.
“She did a lot of work,” Arlene says.
Her son is still figuring out what he wants for his own future, and Arlene is proud of him too.
“I couldn’t be more proud of both of them,” she says.
Her hope is simple and profound: she wants to keep watching them become who they are meant to be.
“I am hoping to see them thrive and grow,” Arlene says.
What does your daughter’s artwork mean to you?
Arlene’s daughter’s artwork has become a source of joy, pride, and connection.
One of her pieces was auctioned through Runway and now lives in someone’s home in Topsfield, Massachusetts. When Arlene heard that, she was amazed.
For Arlene, her daughter’s creativity is not just a talent. It is part of who she is becoming, part of the strength and beauty Arlene sees in her children every day.
Her daughter has received awards for her artwork and continues to create, grow, and dream. For Arlene, each milestone is a reminder of what she is fighting to witness.
How has Runway been part of your story?
Arlene speaks about Runway with deep gratitude.
Even while navigating progression, side effects, appointments, and uncertainty, she remains focused on showing up for the Runway community. She wants to share, post, fundraise, and help others understand what Runway means to families like hers.
“You sold me from day one,” Arlene says.
For Arlene, supporting Runway is one way she can give back to a community that has made her feel seen, loved, and held.
“I don’t know how to return it,” she says. “I think this is the simple way that I could do something for Runway.”
She is especially excited to be part of the 20th anniversary, a milestone that feels meaningful to her.
“Oh my God,” she says. “I’m so excited.”
What do you want the Runway team to know?
Arlene wants the Runway team to know how much she loves and appreciates them.
Throughout her message, she sends love to Olivia, Kathryn, Tim, Chris, and everyone at Runway. Even while facing her own uncertainty, she takes time to celebrate the people who have supported her and so many others.
“You guys are amazing,” she says.
That gratitude is at the heart of Arlene’s story. She is facing so much, but she continues to lead with love. She continues to celebrate her children. She continues to hope her treatment will work. And she continues to show up for a community that has shown up for her.
“I am thankful and blessed to be part of Runway for Recovery,” Arlene says. “Thank you for all you do for all the women and families affected by breast cancer.”
What will we be celebrating when Arlene returns to Runway?
On the Runway stage, we look forward to celebrating Arlene’s courage, her children’s bright futures, and the hope she continues to carry forward.