Avamarie’s Story

When Avamarie Warden received the call confirming her metastatic 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.”

Summoning the strength to make that call required everything she had. Avamarie knew that sharing the news would reshape their relationship in an instant. In that moment she felt both fear and responsibility — to be honest, to be brave, and to allow herself to be supported in ways she had never allowed before.

Throughout treatment, Avamarie found strength in advocacy, creativity, and community. Telling her story and connecting with others who understood her experience became a powerful part of her healing, particularly as a Black woman living with metastatic breast cancer. Using her voice to advocate for representation and awareness helped her reclaim a sense of control on the days when her body felt its weakest.

“Healing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, communal, and transformative.”

Looking back, Avamarie says she wishes she had trusted her intuition sooner and asked for help earlier instead of trying to carry everything alone. Her journey has taught her the importance of slowing down, asking questions, and advocating for herself at every stage of care.

One of the most meaningful acts of support came from her closest friends, who committed to taking an annual trip together each year.

“It shifted my focus from surviving to living and thriving. It gave me something joyful to anticipate and reminded me that my life is meant to be experienced fully.”

For those supporting someone with breast cancer, Avamarie offers a simple but powerful reminder: presence matters more than perfect words.

“Make space for honesty. Let them talk about fear, grief, and uncertainty without rushing them toward positivity. Sometimes being a safe place is the greatest gift.”

Today, Avamarie continues to move through treatment and life with deeper intention, compassion for herself, and a commitment to advocacy. "I’ve grown to love my post chemo body while accepting its many changes." Her story is a reminder that strength can look many different ways — sometimes quiet, sometimes fierce, and always rooted in truth.

We cannot wait to watch her take to the Runway in New York City on April 30th -- she will be styled by the designer STAUD.