Posts by Olivia Achtmeyer Boger
Avamarie’s Story
When Avamarie Warden received the call confirming her breast cancer diagnosis, she was surprisingly calm. She had already seen the results in her medical portal days earlier, giving her time to brace herself. But there was one moment she will never forget. “The hardest part wasn’t hearing the diagnosis. It was calling my mom.”
Read MoreHelena’s Story
SoCal Model, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer & Funded Family
Read MoreSona’s Story
When Sona was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2018, the news came at a time when life was full—two young sons, a demanding legal career, and a growing family business she was helping to scale from behind the scenes. But beneath the busyness, her body had been whispering that something was wrong.
Read MoreSynthia’s Story
In October 2023, Synthia received a diagnosis that changed everything: Stage 3 Hormone Positive, HER2-Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma—at just 29 years old. She was feeling the best she had in years when one night, a lump, skin discoloration, and rippling on her left breast signaled that something was wrong.
Read MoreNicole’s Story
To the outside world, Nicole looked like she was okay. But internally, her world had been turned upside down. With no family history, no warning signs, and three children to care for, her diagnosis came as a total shock.
Read MoreCheryl’s Story
This past fall, Cheryl walked the runway in Boston with her son beside her—bringing light, warmth, and presence to the stage. Now, just a few months later, she’s headed across the country to join her dearest metastatic breast cancer (MBC) friends in Southern California, dancing once again in celebration of life, connection, and resilience.
Read MoreAlanna’s Story
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.“You don’t think it will happen to you.”
Read MoreJanis’ Story
As an OB/GYN, Janis has spent decades guiding women through critical health decisions. She knows the statistics. She understands risk factors. But when it came to breast cancer, even she was surprised.
“You don’t think it will happen to you.”
Deane’s Story
When Deanne heard the words no one ever expects—you have breast cancer—her first reaction was pure shock. Despite catching it early and learning it was hormone-based, the news still felt surreal. What truly made it real was the daily number of women diagnosed—a statistic that kept echoing in her mind long after the doctor’s visit was over.
Read MoreJeannette’s Story
“At 33, hearing the words ‘breast cancer’ felt like the end of the world as I knew it.”
On August 25, 2009, Jeannette received a diagnosis that mirrored her mother’s—invasive ductal carcinoma, stage IIb, grade 3, triple negative. She was BRCA negative, but it didn’t ease the weight of what was ahead.
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