Meet the Models, SoCal: Donna Davis
Donna Davis and her twin sister were extremely close. Dubbed “twister” for twin sisters, the two would start a day getting coffee and find themselves at a thrift store hours later. It’s why it was extra devastating when Donna’s twin, Debbie, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2020. After feeling a lump months earlier, Debbie relied on the help of someone from church to help her get medical treatment because she lacked insurance at the time. Testing would reveal a diagnosis, which led to 33 rounds of radiation, a partial mastectomy and reconstruction. Donna yearned to be with her sister throughout, but COVID restrictions meant Donna and her family could not be by Debbie’s side most of the time: “that was hard because it was COVID and I wanted to be there to hold her hand through it, but it was so rough because I couldn’t be there.”
For some time after treatment, Debbie seemed great. Soon though, blurry vision began to plague her everyday life and after multiple ER visits, doctors discovered a tumor on her brain. With a shunt placed, she was discharged and able to celebrate her 60th birthday with her twin sister. Sadly, it would be her last, as she passed away on June 7, 2024.
Today, Donna aims to carry her sister with her wherever she goes. Given that her sister’s name meant “industrious bee,” Donna often wears clothing with bees on them to represent her sister. Additionally, Donna plans to seek resources to get tested herself and ensure a genetic link doesn’t exist in regards to breast cancer. Thanks to her sister, she plans to be as proactive as possible to ensure her girls have as much info as possible as they get older. Though losing her sister continues to feel “traumatically devastating,” Donna is determined to not fall prey to constant depression saying, “it’s too depressing to be depressed all the time.” That feeling is why she is most excited for Runway, to ensure her sister’s legacy is a happy and joyful one.