Breast Cancer in my 40’s
Inez’s Story
Inez Montalvo was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 17, 2025—a moment that brought fear, uncertainty, and a wave of changes she never anticipated. From the physical toll of treatment to the emotional weight of the diagnosis, her journey has required both resilience and grace. “I was honestly terrified.”
Read MoreAsha’s Story
Asha Miller describes herself as a “breast cancer veteran”—a title that reflects not just what she has endured, but how she has chosen to show up in the world because of it. Long before her diagnosis, Asha was already using her voice—advocating in DEI spaces and sharing stories through her writing and photography. But breast cancer reshaped that advocacy into something even more personal.
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 MoreMaria’s Story
On November 7, 2025, Maria Puppolo received the news that would change the course of her life: she had breast cancer. The diagnosis felt surreal. “I was in disbelief. This could not be happening to me. It was unimaginable.”
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 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.
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