Breast Cancer in my 30’s
Kaitlin’s Story
Kaitlin Kelly was just 32 years old when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer—a moment that instantly changed the course of her life. What once felt predictable and full of everyday plans quickly became consumed by fear, uncertainty, and a path she never imagined she would have to walk.
Read MoreMariah’s Story
In May 2023, Alison Feller was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. Her daughter Annie was just four years old at the time, and the news sent Alison into a spiral of shock and fear. “I remember sobbing in the middle of the night after my diagnosis, terrified that I might die and leave my daughter without her mom.”
Read MoreAlison’s Story
In May 2023, Alison Feller was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. Her daughter Annie was just four years old at the time, and the news sent Alison into a spiral of shock and fear. “I remember sobbing in the middle of the night after my diagnosis, terrified that I might die and leave my daughter without her mom.”
Read MoreAvamarie’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 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 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.
Read MorePayal’s Story
For Payal, the journey to the runway began not with a diagnosis, but with a decision. A physician and a mother of twin daughters, she chose to take control of her health before illness could make the choice for her.
Read MoreRina’s Story
When Rina Hawkins felt a lump in early 2024, she trusted her instincts and went to the doctor. Her gynecologist, trying to offer reassurance, suggested it might resolve on its own. But as the mass grew, so did Rina’s concern—and when she returned for a follow-up, the tone shifted. Soon she was navigating mammograms, biopsies, and what she describes as “a wild ride” into the world of breast cancer.
Read MoreCara’s Story
At just 30 years old, Cara Wright was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in March of 2023. What followed was not only a fight for her health, but a grueling battle with insurance—two life-altering wars waged in parallel. For over a year, she navigated a system that often made healing harder.
Read MoreAlicia’s Story
Alicia Fisher’s breast cancer journey has been marked by both unimaginable hardship and profound personal growth. Diagnosed for the first time at age 34, she found the lump herself and learned the news on New Year’s Eve in 2020—a brutal ending to an already difficult year.
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