Blog Posts
Avamarie Warden’s Story
Avamarie never expected breast cancer to bring her into rooms she had not imagined for herself.
“I wanted no parts of any community,” she says.
But once she found one, she understood what people had been trying to tell her.
“It really is a difference when you’re around people who get it,” Avamarie says.
Read MoreBetsy Hetzler’s Story
This year, Betsy is celebrating more than 25 years of survivorship after breast cancer.
She is also honoring her mother, Sally Hetzler, who passed away from breast cancer just eight days before Frannie was born.
When Betsy was diagnosed, her children were 5 and 10 years old. Today, they are 31 and 36, and Betsy is a proud grandmother to a beautiful one-year-old grandson.
Read MoreFrannie McBrian’s Story
Frannie has been connected to breast cancer since before she was born.
“I wish that my 10-year-old self had some of the resources and the incredible opportunities that Runway gifts families and children with,” she says.
Read MoreJoshua Smith’s Story
Joshua Smith and his children are returning to the Runway stage in honor of Katie.
When Katie was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, the life they had planned together shifted in ways they never could have imagined.
Joshua remembers Runway helping with things like gas and groceries during a time when his family was in survival mode. More than that, he remembers how much joy Runway gave Katie.
For Joshua, Runway gives his family something rare: a place to put their love for Katie out into the world.
Read MoreKristina Coccoluto’s Story
At 25, Kristina learned she carried the BRCA mutation. For her, that meant an 87% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 60% risk of ovarian cancer.
Kristina chose to take her health into her own hands. She had a preventative double mastectomy, later a complete hysterectomy, and used running to reconnect with her body through every change.
Read MoreMeghan Sullivan’s Story
Meghan Sullivan was diagnosed with breast cancer the day before her 36th birthday.
Now, 11 and a half years cancer-free, Meghan continues to return to Runway because she can.
“I do it because I can, because there are so many women that can’t.”
Read MoreSusan Pimental’s Story
Susan Pimental is returning to the Runway stage for the big 20th Anniversary Show alongside her dear friend Cheryl Cuddy, the person who first encouraged her to walk in 2018.
This year feels especially meaningful because Cheryl is also celebrating 20 years cancer-free.
For Susan, walking the Runway is a celebration as she stands beside the many “beautiful heroes” who make up this community.
Read MoreAndrea Myette’s Story
Andrea Myette was raised in a family where difficult things were not often talked about.
When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Andrea did not know right away. Years later, when Andrea received her own diagnosis, she found herself responding in a similar way: keeping it concealed.
But when her daughter, Lindsay, was diagnosed with breast cancer, something changed.
“That’s what really opened me up,” Andrea says.
Andrea has learned that there is strength in sharing and allowing others in.
“It’s much better if you reach out and join in,” she says.
Read MoreDebbie First’s Story
Debbie First was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1977 and had 13 months of a groundbreaking treatment. With three children under 12 and the support of her husband, Debbie managed a full time position as Executive Director of Action for Children’s Television. Nearly five decades later, she is cancer free and walks the Runway stage for the third time with a unique perspective on how far cancer awareness, research, treatment and support have come—giving us hope for a future with more cures and more people living with the disease.
Read MoreJennie Vargas’s Story
As a single mother diagnosed with breast cancer, Jennie’s first fear was not for herself. It was for her kids. But through treatment, Jennie found strength, faith, and a renewed commitment to her own happiness.
“I always get back up, no matter what,” she says.
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