Mercy, Brenda, Janelle and Waleska’s Story

This year, Brenda, Mercy, Waleska Pineda, Trayana Mair, and Jennifer's daughter, Janelle Pineda, return to the Runway for Recovery stage in honor of Jennifer Pineda—a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend whose greatest fight was always for her family.

Jennifer first danced on the Runway for Recovery stage in 2023 with her daughter, Janelle, by her side. At the time, she was living with metastatic breast cancer, but like so many mothers in our community, she wasn't focused on herself. She was focused on making memories with her daughter and showing her that even in the hardest moments, there could still be joy.

Just one year later, on November 7, 2024, Jennifer passed away at the age of 40.

In 2025, her family returned to the runway without her—walking together in her memory. This year, they continue that tradition, celebrating the woman whose love continues to guide them every single day.

When Jennifer first became part of the Runway for Recovery family, she had already undergone a mastectomy, radiation, and multiple treatments after her breast cancer spread to her bones and brain. She was also grieving the devastating loss of her fiancé, Ramon Jones, who had passed away from colon cancer just one year earlier.

Despite everything she was facing, Jennifer rarely spoke first about her illness.

She spoke about her girls.

"My strength is my girls," she shared during her Runway intake. "They are my main motivation. That's what motivates me, gets me up in the morning. What makes me fight is my girls."

Cancer changed nearly every part of life for the Pineda family.

"It has impacted us tremendously," Jennifer wrote. "I'm not as active and can't play with my kids or do fun things like we used to."

The treatments left her exhausted. Working became increasingly difficult. After Ramon's passing, Jennifer found herself trying to support her family while living with an incurable diagnosis, all while worrying about how she would keep a roof over their heads. At one point, she was behind on rent and facing impossible financial decisions. Yet even then, her greatest concern wasn't herself.

It was Janelle.

She wanted her daughter to have every opportunity possible. She searched for tutoring, counseling, summer camp, and the support she knew would help Janelle continue to thrive. Even while navigating scans, hospitalizations, and chemotherapy, Jennifer never stopped planning for her daughter's future.

As her cancer progressed, so did the challenges.

The disease spread further into her brain, then to her heart and lungs. She underwent emergency surgery after fluid nearly suffocated her heart. Hospital stays became longer. Treatments became more aggressive.

Still, Jennifer remained deeply grateful for the support surrounding her family.

Runway for Recovery became part of that village.

Funding helped cover rent, groceries, children's activities, and everyday necessities so Jennifer could spend less time worrying about bills and more time simply being Mom.

She later wrote to our team:

"Being able to focus on becoming healthy again, and treatment without having to worry about the essential things like bills and groceries was really God's blessing... I didn't have to worry about having my phone disconnected or how I would provide food for my family because that was taken care of."

She ended her letter with words we'll never forget:

"Runway for Recovery really has changed my life and I will be forever appreciative."

Those who loved Jennifer remember her adventurous spirit, generous heart, and remarkable resilience. She loved to travel, embraced every opportunity for adventure, and built a career in hospitality where making people feel welcomed came naturally. Above all else, she was a devoted mother whose greatest joy was her family.

Today, Brenda, Mercy, Waleska, Trayana, and Janelle continue Jennifer's legacy.

Their journey on the Runway for Recovery stage tells the story of a family that has refused to let love end with loss. Jennifer danced with her daughter in 2023. Her family carried her memory in 2025. And now, once again, they return together—not only to honor Jennifer's extraordinary life, but to remind every family facing metastatic breast cancer that love continues long after the music ends.

Every step they take is for Jennifer.

And every step ensures that her story—and the fierce love she had for her daughter and family—continues to inspire others to keep dancing.