Posts by Josie Silk
Lisa Carlin’s Story
Lisa Carlin was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38, when her daughters were just three and five years old.
Now, 13 years later, Lisa has turned that experience into purpose.
The hot pink ballet flats she wore during treatment became a symbol of strength and connection with her daughters. Years later, that symbol inspired Poppies with Purpose, her shoe brand created to bring comfort, empowerment, and joy to others walking through breast cancer.
Read MoreMercy, Brenda, Janelle and Waleska’s Story
Jennifer Pineda first danced on the Runway for Recovery stage in 2023 with her daughter, Janelle, by her side.
At the time, Jennifer was living with metastatic breast cancer, but her focus was never only on herself.
“My strength is my girls,” Jennifer shared. “They are my main motivation.”
Jennifer passed away on November 7, 2024, at the age of 40. Today, Brenda, Mercy, Waleska, Trayana, and Janelle continue to carry her legacy forward.
Read MoreAnne Bunn’s Story
For Anne, Runway takes a topic that can feel ugly, heavy, and often hidden, and shows another side of it. The event reminds her family that cancer is part of their story, but it does not define who they are.
Read MoreAlexander Klimchenko’s Story
This October, Alexis’s husband, Alexander Klimchenko, will walk the Runway in her memory, carrying her story, her strength, and the love she poured into her family.
Read MoreKristin Ferrari’s Story
Kristin Ferrari was diagnosed with Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma in September 2012, at the age of 40. One month later, she underwent a double mastectomy at Massachusetts General Hospital.
This year, Kristin returns not only as a survivor, but as a co-chair for the 20th Anniversary Boston show and a Board Member!
Read MoreRenee Plodzik’s Story
Living with metastatic breast cancer, Renee has learned to live in three-month cycles, planning around scans and finding ways to stay present with her family. Her relationship with Runway began in 2022, when her first show helped her understand that even with a Stage 4 diagnosis, there is still hope.
“Maybe I’m not strong enough to live through metastatic breast cancer,” Renee says. “But I am strong enough to live with it.”
Read MoreMeredith Parkinson’s Story
Meredith Parkinson is an Ironman triathlete, which means she knows her body.
So when one of her children accidentally kicked her in the breast and the pain felt worse than normal, Meredith paid attention.
Read MoreLindsay Bababekov’s Story
Lindsay, who is currently in treatment, wants people to know how much it matters to show up.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” she says. “Even saying you don’t know what to say, but you are there for them, means the world.”
Read MoreChristina Clements’s Story
Christina learned how much peace can come from having a plan and a team you trust.
“I didn’t start to feel better until I had a plan,” she says. “Once that was in place, I could breathe again.”
Read MoreBrienne Black’s Story
Dancing has always brought Brienne joy when she was so scared.
“It was one thing that could take my mind off the cancer,” Brienne says.
That is why Runway has deeper meaning for Brienne.
“The idea of dancing, even just for a moment, breaks you from the pain and fear,” she says. “That’s why I love that people dance down the runway, not walk.”
Stay tuned for something special at the 20th Anniversary show!
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