Breast Cancer in my 40’s
Helena’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 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 MoreDeane’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 MoreFrom Chemo Treatments to Marathon Miles
In September of 2023, 38-year-old Amy Burke was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Burke, a middle school teacher and mom of two, faced 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 28 straight days of radiation over the next year. After intensive treatment and a double mastectomy, the Haverhill native became cancer-free in 2024. Now, over two years later, Burke trains for the 130th Boston Marathon as one of four runners for Runway for Recovery, a non-profit that supports families’ journeys with breast cancer.
Read MoreJulie’s Story
Julie had been down this road before—biopsies, scans, and follow-ups for six years. With dense breast tissue making every image inconclusive, each year brought more uncertainty and more anxiety. So when her doctor finally called with the news—stage 0 DCIS—she didn’t feel fear. She felt relief.
Read MoreKristen Dahlgren, Today Show Correspondant, to Model in Runway Show, SoCal in Newport Beach on 2/28/26
This year, that impact will be on full display at the Runway Show: Southern California on February 28, where we are honored to feature Spotlight Model Kristen Dahlgren, Today Show correspondent and breast cancer survivor. Kristen’s voice, advocacy, and lived experience reflect the heart of Runway for Recovery and the reason this night matters so deeply.
Read MoreRocio’s Story
In early 2023, Rocio Martin Hoyos was in one of the healthiest seasons of her life—physically strong, emotionally grounded, and deeply focused on wellness. She had prioritized her body and mind for months, and was feeling better than she had in years. So when she found a lump, it came as a jarring surprise.
Read MoreMarcella’s Story — SoCal
When Marcella Powell was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in March of 2022, it felt like the ground disappeared beneath her feet. An itchy breast and an unusual white discharge prompted her to seek medical advice. Initially dismissed as “normal,” her instincts urged her to get a second opinion — one that ultimately saved her life.
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