Meet the Models: Katie Smith

Katie Smith was enjoying all the facets of being a new mother to her boys, ages 2 and 5. In fact, she and her husband were trying for a third. Six months prior, given extensive family history of breast cancer, Katie received her first mammogram, at an earlier than typical age, and was all clear. She carried on with family life and being a science teacher to her middle schoolers. Her seemingly blissful family existence was soon shattered, first by a miscarriage and then a devastating diagnosis of stage four metastatic breast cancer. Katie has been fighting the disease for three years now.

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Joshua Smith’s Story

Joshua Smith and his children are returning to the Runway stage in honor of Katie.

When Katie was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, the life they had planned together shifted in ways they never could have imagined.

Joshua remembers Runway helping with things like gas and groceries during a time when his family was in survival mode. More than that, he remembers how much joy Runway gave Katie.

For Joshua, Runway gives his family something rare: a place to put their love for Katie out into the world.

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Meet the Models: Joshua Smith

This fall, Joshua Smith returns to the Runway for Recovery stage not with his wife, Katie, but for her. Katie passed away in December 2024 after living courageously with metastatic breast cancer for three years. While she is no longer physically with us, her spirit radiates through her family, her former students, and the greater community she inspired—especially the Runway family, where she once danced with joy, defiance, and hope.

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Christina Muratore’s Story

Christina Muratore’s Runway story has always been tied to her sister, Katie.

For years, Christina cheered from the audience as Katie danced across Runway stages. Then, after Christina’s own breast cancer diagnosis, Katie encouraged her to step into the light herself.

Now, Christina returns to the Runway stage in Katie’s memory — carrying her sister’s name, spirit, and legacy with her in every step.

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