Breast Cancer in my 50’s
Kathleen’s Story
Kathleen Keeley grew up surrounded by women affected by breast cancer. She fundraised for breast cancer causes, supported loved ones through their diagnoses, and deeply believed in the power of community and action. But she never imagined that one day, she would be the one sitting across from a surgeon, hearing the words that would forever change her life.
Read MoreMarie’s Story
Marie Rose’s cancer journey began on a day that should have felt ordinary—but instead became unforgettable. It was Boston Marathon Day in 2012. As she walked through the crowds of tired, triumphant runners wrapped in foil blankets, Marie was reeling. She had just left a specialist’s office after a biopsy and was walking alone with the devastating knowledge that her life had changed.
Read MoreMichelle’s Story
Michelle Gallegos never expected to hear the words “Stage 4” after having already been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer once before. In 2013, she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction, closing what she thought was a painful chapter. More than a decade later, in early 2024, she found herself once again on the other end of a diagnosis—this time, metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her bones.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Deborah Williams
Metastatic breast cancer has encourage me to live in the present and enjoy every day. I know how quickly this disease can turn and I’m grateful for the tribe I have in my life.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Missy Devlin
Breast cancer impacted me physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. I was 57 and was in very good health. I had started a new job less than a year before my diagnosis. It began when I started feeling tired, weak, and achy all over. I didn’t have any of the typical symptoms of breast cancer. I was told by my primary care physician that it appeared I had fibromyalgia. That diagnosis just didn’t sit well with me. I pushed to have more tests done and was also due for my annual mammogram. After the mammogram, the cancer diagnosis came quickly and I became part of a club that no one wants to be member of.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Maureen Quill
I was diagnosed with invasive lobular and invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2B in February of 2023. I had a double mastectomy with positive lymph nodes on April 11, 2023. From there I was put on medication to put me into menopause since my cancer was ER positive. I had severe reactions to the medications therefore I had to have my uterus and ovaries surgically removed.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Amy Finegold
How to even start… I was diagnosed shortly after completing my certification as a Health + Life coach, and the year I turned 50. It was a time of re-invention for me after closing my women’s boutique and then I was hit with the diagnosis. I continued to work with clients over zoom and doing personal styling on my days farthest from chemo.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Katie Dexter
Breast cancer has marked my life in profound and deeply personal ways. Watching my mother face her diagnosis shaped my understanding of strength and vulnerability , and I knew I’d face the same battle myself someday, the question was always when. When I was diagnosed on July 29th, 2021, my father’s birthday and went through my mastectomy, it wasn’t just a physical transformation—it was an emotional reckoning. I
Read MoreMeet the Models, NYC: Lori Levine
“I choose to stay positive.”
Read MoreMeet the Models, New England: Marrianne Gruver
“How and who do I want to spend my time with? Let’s talk abut what we want to do and just do it. I believe I am going to live until l am at least 100. That’s my goal.”
Read More