Alanna’s Story

Meet the Models, SoCal: Alanna

Returning to the runway this February, Alanna brings with her a depth of strength forged across two diagnoses. She modeled in a previous SoCal show, but her story continues—marked by perseverance, deep reflection, and a powerful desire to uplift others walking a similar path.

“I felt numb the second time. I was just hitting five years out… and then it was back. I gathered what strength I had and said, here we go again.”

A Journey of Recurrence and Resilience

Alanna was first diagnosed in 2016 after finding a lump and advocating for further testing. She describes the speed of it all—biopsy, diagnosis, and treatment—like blinking and suddenly entering a new reality. The shock was immense. Her autoimmune condition, Ankylosing Spondylitis, complicated everything, rendering her wheelchair-bound and completely dependent on her mom and care team during that first round.

Her second diagnosis came as she approached the five-year milestone. This time, she moved forward with hard-won wisdom and a quiet resolve. She knew what was ahead—and knew how important it was to pace herself, make intentional choices, and prioritize her well-being along the way.

Support and Sisterhood

Alanna credits her mom, her extended family, and one dear friend—a fellow breast cancer survivor—as her anchors through it all. That friend delivered a care package and stayed by her side, helping her navigate treatment with grace and compassion. The bond they built remains one of the gifts that came from such difficult times.

“If you can find yourself a former breast cancer friend, it is a great blessing.”

Advice for the Journey

Alanna encourages others to document everything—appointments, questions, decisions—so that nothing gets lost in the overwhelming pace of treatment. She advocates for moments of joy, indulgence, and self-care wherever they can be found.

“There’s not really a ‘good’ part of treatment. But good people—doctors, nurses, friends, family—can make all the difference.”

She also reflects on choices she would now make differently: taking time for fertility preservation, treating herself more during treatment, and giving herself permission to slow down when everything around her felt so fast.

Walking Forward, Again

This year, Alanna returns to the runway with loved ones by her side and with the hard-earned clarity of someone who knows the terrain. Her presence is a reminder that survivorship can be ongoing, complex, and powerful.

She walks not just for herself, but for those currently navigating the fog of a first diagnosis, the fear of recurrence, and the fragile hope that healing—both physical and emotional—is always possible.