Avamarie Warden’s Story

How has breast cancer affected you?

Breast cancer has changed Avamarie’s life in ways she never expected.

It has brought opportunities she did not imagine for herself: traveling, speaking in front of people, modeling, and sharing her story in rooms she never pictured entering.

“I thought I was going to be at some job making 90K working from home,” Avamarie says.

Instead, life looks different now. She has gone through treatment, is navigating life on disability, and is still doing her best to make meaning out of what breast cancer has brought into her life.

“I’m trying to make the most of it,” she says.

Why did you want to become a model mentor?

As a professional model, Avamarie knows what it feels like to walk into a fashion show and not know exactly what to expect.

But Runway is different.

It is a fashion show, yes, but it is also a room full of people whose lives have been changed by cancer. 

Avamarie wanted to become a model mentor so she could help other models feel supported before they step onto the stage.

“I just want to be the supporting person,” she says.

She wants people to know that even though the experience may feel big and unfamiliar, they are safe in this community.

“It’s all good,” she says. “It’s real chill.”

What was your favorite part of walking the Runway?

Avamarie’s favorite part was simply being on the runway.

As a professional model, she already loves a runway. But walking the Runway for Recovery stage felt different.

“Being on that runway with my cane, and really being in that moment, was different than a normal fashion show for me,” she says.

There was something powerful about bringing her full self to the stage.

And this year, for Runway’s 20th Anniversary Show, Avamarie is most excited to do it again.

 

What would you tell someone newly diagnosed?

Avamarie knows that when she was first diagnosed, she did not want to be part of a cancer community.

“I wanted no parts of any community,” she says. “I was just like, I got my people. I’m cool.”

But her people encouraged her to find others who understood.

When she finally did, something shifted.

“I was like, oh, this is what they were talking about,” Avamarie says.

Her advice to someone newly diagnosed is to know that community really does make a difference.

“It really is a difference when you’re around people who get it,” she says.

And within Runway, Avamarie believes people can find someone who helps them feel less alone.

“You’re going to find somebody here,” she says.

 

What are we celebrating this year?

This October, Avamarie will be celebrating four years since finishing chemo.

“I always like to celebrate,” she says. “I celebrate everything.”

This year, we are celebrating Avamarie as a model, mentor, advocate, and reminder that community can change everything.