Susan Pimental’s Story

Why are you returning for Runway’s 20th Anniversary?

Susan Pimental is returning for Runway’s big 20th Anniversary Show because of her very good friend, Cheryl Cuddy.

Cheryl was the person who first encouraged Susan to walk in 2018. This year feels especially meaningful because Cheryl is also celebrating 20 years cancer-free.

For Susan, returning to the Runway stage is a chance to celebrate friendship, survivorship, and the community that has meant so much to her.

 

What will we be celebrating when you step onto the Runway stage?

Susan will be celebrating being alive.

She will also be celebrating the chance to walk alongside what she calls “such beautiful heroes.”

For Susan, Runway is not only about one person’s story. It is about standing beside others who have faced breast cancer and still found a way to come together in joy.

 

How has breast cancer shaped your journey?

Breast cancer has introduced Susan to amazing people.

It has also made her feel more grateful: grateful for early detection and for her loving family.

Even though Susan remembers feeling “ugly” while going through cancer, the experience changed the way she understood beauty.

“Despite feeling ugly going through cancer,” Susan says, “the journey has not only made me feel beautiful but not alone.”

That sense of connection has stayed with her.

 

What does Runway mean to you?

For Susan, Runway shows what support can look like after breast cancer and loss.

She sees it in the families who come together after devastating losses. She sees it in the joy, the community, and the way people are held through something incredibly hard.

“The joy of seeing families together after such devastating losses being supported and happy says it all,” Susan says.

This year, we are honored to celebrate Susan as she returns to the Runway stage with gratitude, friendship, and joy.