About Us

We create a stage for heroes

Runway redefines the experience of breast cancer for families in three ways.

Community

After twelve Boston area events, the Runway community has grown to include hundreds of former Runway “models,” a spirited tribe of supporters, and a growing cohort of beneficiaries who have received funding from Runway. Part of Runway’s mission is to provide opportunities for connection, shared experience, and healing within this community. To serve as a platform for those affected by breast cancer to find hope, support, and a tribe, ready and willing to offer a hand. We do this by offering options for connection both virtually and in person throughout the year.

Event

Each year, we invite our community to nominate models who have been affected by breast cancer to dance down our Runway in a celebration of life. The event, held annually in October, attracts hundreds of people to cheer on our models. Local and national boutiques, hair and makeup artists, volunteers, and past models collaborate to pamper models for their trip down the Runway, demonstrating their strength and persistence. The event is the cornerstone of the Runway mission to celebrate families, survivors, and warriors undergoing treatment.

Families

The fundraising we do through the event and auction, and the generous contributions of our community not only cover our nonprofit operations and programs, but allow us to deploy funding toward families who have lost their mother to breast cancer. With careful stewardship, Runway bolsters these families with a combination of financial support and wraparound services from counseling to academic support. The needs of each family differ immensely, and so does the support they receive from Runway. FAMILY GRANTS

Our History

“While many breast cancer organizations look to find the cure, I am looking to find ways to help those families for whom the cure does not come in time.” — Olivia Achtmeyer Boger

Six years after losing my mother to a decade-long fight against breast cancer, I resolved to find an aspect of the disease where I could honor my mother’s memory and make a difference for other families fighting their own battles with breast cancer. For twelve years, brave survivors and those walking in memory or celebration have become models at the Runway fashion show. They have raised funds to help children who have lost their mothers to the disease, and have provided opportunities for caregivers. As survivors, the models epitomize heroism and strength. They carry with them the spirits of all those who have lost their battle with breast cancer, and the families and communities that stood by them.

Over the years, the proceeds from the fashion show, silent auction, and sponsorships of this annual event have primarily benefited the Tufts Cancer Center Candace MacMillen Achtmeyer Fund and The Massachusetts General Hospital Patient and Caregiver Fund, under the direction of Dr. Jack Erban. These unique funds have addressed many of the financial, logistical, and emotional burdens associated with caring for a loved one with breast cancer, including grief counseling, lodging near hospitals, and other vital comforts for both families of patients and those who provide care.

As Runway moves into the next decade of its existence, it will continue to work with Boston hospitals along with a variety of other organizations to make sure that we are supporting the families most in need of our assistance after losing a parent to breast cancer. -Olivia Achtmeyer Boger
Founder, Executive Director of Runway LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S EVENT

Our Mission

Runway honors and supports families affected by breast cancer and dedicates resources to support children who have lost caregivers to the disease.

Runway directs vital funds to children who are affected by breast cancer to lessen the burden and obstacles of losing a caregiver to the disease. We foster a sense of community within the families, children, and survivors that we work with to inspire joy in the midst of a seemingly hopeless time.

Our Board

Bill Achtmeyer

Bill Achtmeyer is the Parthenon Founder and Senior Managing Director of EY-Parthenon, a strategic advisory organization. In 2014, Parthenon combined with EY, and Bill leads the EY-Parthenon team in EY’s Transaction Advisory Services. He is a recognized authority in corporate and business unit strategy and in M&A. Previously, Bill was a director at Bain & Company, where he founded and led the M&A and integration practice. Philanthropically, Bill is the chair of the board of trustees of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, an overseer at the Museum of Fine Arts, a governor for the Handel and Haydn Society, chair of Tenacity, chair of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, and the vice chair of the board of trustees of Belmont Hill School. He is also the former chair of the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and the former chair of the board of overseers at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Bill holds a BA in Public and International Affairs from Princeton and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Bill was the loving husband of the late, Cande MacMillen Achtmeyer, the woman who has inspired the founding of this organization. He is the father of the founder and Executive Director, Olivia Achtmeyer Boger. 

Lindsay Boger

Lindsay Boger Since leaving the mainstream workforce upon the birth of her second child, Lindsay has dedicated herself to raising her two children, a 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. During these years, she has done all she can to be as involved as possible in both of their school communities, as well as her local community, volunteering in many different capacities. Her career and passion has always been working with children and families as a Clinical Social Worker, working in special needs adoption, as well as Shriners Burn Hospital, where she continues to serve as an on-call Social Worker. Lindsay has been involved with Runway since its inception- she came to the event, first as a guest and then supported the organization as a committee member. She hopes to bring her passion and social work knowledge to this amazing organization in a more meaningful and full capacity as a member of the board.

Kristina Coccolutto

Kristina Coccoluto is a wife and mother of three–two beautiful girls and a baby boy. Before raising tiny humans, she was a Catering Sales Manager in the event industry. With a strong family history of breast cancer, it came as no surprise to learn she was BRCA1+. Kristina underwent a preventative double mastectomy in 2016, the year she became a Runway model. She has ran two marathons on Team Bright Pink and feels passionate about educating women on their personal breast cancer risk. Kristina’s most rewarding life work involves mentoring fellow previvors and adventures with her growing family. Kristina has been a model in Runway since 2016. 

Ann Marie Connolly

Ann Marie Connolly attended the College of the Holy Cross where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She went on to earn a Masters in Education at Boston University. Ann Marie began her career in undergraduate admissions at Boston University and ultimately joined Maguire Associates, where she served as a on-site consultant to many Boston area colleges. She has been deeply involved in her Concord, Massachusetts community, serving as a trustee of the Concord Museum and Middlesex School, and the Advisory Board of the Fenn School. She served on the Board of the College of the Holy Cross during a time of Presidential transition and was one of three co-chairs of the $220 million dollar Lift High the Cross Campaign. Her work continues as a member of the Advisory Board. Ann Marie also served on the Board of Trustees of Colby College and is currently Chair of the Board of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. Ann Marie was a dear friend of Cande Achtmeyer’s, a second mother to Olivia, and has been a member of Runway’s Board since its founding.

Maggie Corcoran Seitz

Maggie Corcoran Seitz is thrilled to be joining the board of Runway for Recovery. As a lifelong Boston resident, Maggie is personally and professionally familiar with both the health care and philanthropic landscapes of the city and the surrounding areas. Having lost her own mother to breast cancer in 2017, Maggie is eager to have the opportunity to help other families dealing with such a difficult situation. Maggie holds her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Boston College and currently resides in the South End with her family.

Maggie DeMont

Maggie DeMont is currently the SVP of Corporate Strategy at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, where she has held a variety of different roles over the past 10+ years. Prior to HMH, Maggie was in Strategy Consulting as a Principal at the Parthenon Group, where she first met Olivia when she was her summer intern. She has her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and began her career in Investment Banking as a Senior Analyst at Chase Securities. Maggie has been attending Runway since it’s early days at Nashawtuc Country Club to support Olivia and honor her grandmother Maggie, who passed away from breast cancer. Maggie has three daughters and enjoys skiing with them and her husband on the weekends.

Madeline Demoulas

Madeline Demoulas holds a B.A. in English from Boston College and currently works with Demoulas and Market Basket Supermarkets. As a member of the Company’s Operations Team, she assists in developing and overseeing systems and logistics as well as various personnel and customer service programs. Her familiarity with Runway started when she first met Olivia Achtmeyer Boger at Middlesex School in Concord. A six-year Committee member, Madeline’s present role at Runway is developing and growing the Silent Auction. A Greek devotee, she currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Anatolia College.

Christina Fagan Pardy

Christina Fagan Pardy is the founder and CEO of Sh*t That I Knit, a Boston-based knit accessories brand. If you’re familiar with STIK, it is likely because of its partnership with Runway for the past four years – setting up a trunk show at the Runway Show and donating 40% of sales to Runway. While this partnership has solidified Christina’s love of Runway, her connection to the organization began 12 years ago when she volunteered for her then field hockey coach’s (Olivia Achtmeyer) first Runway Show event at the Nashawtuc Country Club. When not running her business, Christina loves hanging out with her *new* husband Alex- You can find them skiing on the weekends and playing backgammon by the fire or on the beach! STIK began donating Give-A-Sh*t Knit Kits to young adult cancer patients a few years ago so that they could benefit from meditative knitting while undergoing cancer treatments. STIK has donated well over 400 knitting kits to Young Adult Programs all over the country, most notably at Dana Farber.

Susan Gally

Susan Gally joins Runway for Recovery with extensive marketing experience as a consumer product brand manager. Susan most recently directed LUNA Bar at CLIF Bar & Company after working on the brand teams of Hidden Valley Ranch and Kingsford Charcoal for the Clorox Company. Today, Susan enjoys giving back to the community and has previously served on the board of ThinkGive, the Holy Family Parish Pastoral Council and the Parent’s Association of her son’s schools. Susan’s connection to Runway is very personal – after attending as a guest for 3 years, she faced her own breast cancer diagnosis (as a mother of a 6 year old). She is excited to help Runway grow so that the event and funds raised can continue to help families coping with breast cancer. Susan is a Northwestern University graduate and earned an MBA at Kellogg.

Ashley Keeney

Ashley Keeney Mom of two wonderful children aged 5 and 3, Ashley lives in Marblehead MA with her husband. Ashley worked for 12 years in the consumer goods industry in marketing and sales roles, initially with Procter and Gamble and, most recently, serving as a Director at Reckitt Benckiser. Ashley is currently working on her MBA at Boston University and looking forward to teaching Sales, Negotiations, and Consumer Behavior upon graduation.  Her connection to the Runway organization is as a friend to Olivia, and she is inspired and honored to service as a member of its board.

Kimberly Ahrendt Furnald

Kimberly Ahrendt Furnald is an expert in estate planning and private business solutions. Currently focused on creative insurance-based solutions for the estate planning needs of individuals and private business owners, Kimberly has worked in the financial services industry for more than 35 years. Kimberly was fortunate enough to have known Cande and the Achtmeyer Family for over 30 years and has introduced a number of families and friends to Runway. She resides in NH with her husband Clint and is the proud parent of two grown sons. Kimberly is on the board of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass, a chair of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s Party in the Park, as well as past president and current board member of the Financial Planning Association of Northern New England. 

Kathryn Lorusso

Kathryn Lorusso is a busy mother of four children. She started her career at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, working in development and public relations before pursuing her master’s degree in dance/movement therapy. This interest in mind/body wellness led to a certification as a holistic health coach. Kathryn was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37 and was thrilled to walk in the Runway Show in 2015. She has been involved with a few organizations close to her heart, such as the Emerson Hospital Auxiliary and Gaining Ground. She is so honored to be a part of such an inspiring organization!

Suzanne Lowell

Suzanne Lowell President and Lead Designer for Suzanne B Lowell Lighting Design, Inc. since 1995, Suzanne previously was on the faculty and staff of the Boston Conservatory. A breast cancer survivor since 2016, she had a preventative, second mastectomy in 2017, which showed cancer in the pathology. Working with Runway for ten years, Suzanne has brilliantly provided the lighting for the Runway Show. She has been a long time supporter of charities that relate to animal welfare, with primary focus upon Baypath Humane Society and Buddy Dog Humane Society. Her favorite activity is anything that involves her partner, Liz.

Henry McNamara

Henry McNamara is a Partner at Great Oaks Venture Capital where he invests and advises early stage consumer, healthcare and technology businesses such as Allbirds, Away, Flatiron Health, Maven Clinic and Acorns. Henry was one of Olivia’s first students at Fenn in 2004 and attended the very first Runway Show event. In addition to Runway, Henry has done work with philanthropic organizations such as Venture for America and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Research Center. Henry and his fiancé Laura love to travel, ski and golf!

Ginger Bailey Pearson

Ginger Bailey Pearson serves as Assistant Vice President for Advancement Administration at Babson College. In her current role, she oversees advancement services and communications, stewardship and events. Previously, Ginger spent five years at University of Massachusetts Lowell as the Executive Director of Advancement where she led and managed day-to-day operations. A graduate of Hamilton College, she began her career in marketing and banking. Ginger is an active member of her community and serves on the governing board of Lowell General Hospital, the boards of Circle Home, Edgcomb Tennis Club and the Battles Foundation.

Abbey Reynolds Redmond

Abbey Redmond currently lives in Concord, MA with her husband and three boys. She graduated from Lawrence Academy and holds her Bachelor of Arts in History from Ithaca College. After college she worked in the finance industry for many years. Working for companies including, Goldman Sachs, State Street and most recently, J.P. Morgan’s institutional fixed income sales desk. She left J.P. Morgan, where she met her husband, to become a full-time mom. Abbey’s aunt is a breast cancer survivor and her fight, along with many others, gives her the passion to get more involved with Runway.

Beth Summers

Beth Summers has, for the past six years, devoted herself to raising her three children, ages 9, 6, and 2. Prior to caring for her own children, she had the privilege of teaching kindergarten at the Learning Project Elementary School. Before her work in education, she spent her career in the area of social work, specifically helping families at risk. She hopes to bring her passion for caring for children to Runway. She had the tremendous good fortune to have met Olivia, and her mother Cande, when they were in high school and is so grateful to be part of this organization in her honor.

Wick Sollers

Wick Sollers is the former Managing Partner of King and Spaulding in Washington, D.C., and the current Chair of the law firm’s 270 lawyer Government Matters Practice Group. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and U.S. Senate Special Counsel. He is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Maryland Law School. Wick has served, or is serving on a number of non-profit boards, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, St. Paul’s School for Boys in Baltimore, and Living Classrooms.

James Ward

James Ward is a partner at Artemis, the industrial tech PE firm – focused on buying and building exceptional manufacturers of sensors, robotics, analytical instrumentation, specialty chemicals, and advanced materials. Most importantly, James is a partner to his wife and best friend Sophie, with whom he shares two mischievous little boys, Jack and Sammy, and a sweet life in Harvard Square. His support of Runway runs deep and is ultimately founded in his love for all the powerful women at its heart – including mom of moms, Cande Achtmeyer, his own mom, Lorraine Garnett Ward (original Runway Show model), and his life-long friend, Olivia Achtmeyer Boger.

Why We Walk

Darren Allen

“I walk for the first person to ever love me, and teach me about love—my tough, smart, outspoken, and brave mother.”Walking in memory of his mother, Peggy Underwood (2012) 

Rachael Asselin

“I’m walking because we have all been touched by incredible women in our lives.  Women who have given us strength we didn’t know we had, showed us the way when we couldn’t see, and taught us what it means to love unconditionally.”Walking in memory of her mother, Rylin Ann Malone (1993)

Jenna Auber

“I walk in the hope that someday, no one will have to utter the words “I lost my Mom (wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin) to Breast Cancer.”A survivor since 2013

Meet Our Full-Time Volunteers

Volunteer Roles at Runway

We need your help

The Runway community has been fortunate enough to meet over 250 men, women, and children who have been affected by breast cancer. All the funds, over $900K since our founding, goes to wrap-around services for families after losing a parent to breast cancer. We join them to celebrate life, love, and their strength. We are lucky to be a part of it all.

We want nothing more than to continue changing the lives of those affected by this disease in big ways and small. This is where you come in! Any donation truly helps and we are extremely grateful. You may donate online by clicking the button below or sending a check to:
Runway for Recovery
14 Inn Street
Newburyport, MA 01950 SUPPORT RUNWAY TODAY