Breast Cancer in my 50’s
Alison Flanagan’s Story
“I really never have been public about my breast cancer.”
After years of carrying her story quietly, Alison realized Runway might be what she needed to finally process, connect, and feel less alone.
“Maybe this is what I need,” she says. “Not a new job, not more surgeries, not all these other things. Maybe I need to find a community and connect that way.”
Read MoreOlivia Terrell’s Story
Olivia Terrell calls herself a breast cancer warrior, not just a survivor.
“You have to go in and fight,” she says. “I think half of the battle is your mindset sometimes. If you go in defeated, then you’re not going to make it.”
This year, Olivia walks for herself, in memory of her sister, who passed away after her own breast cancer diagnosis, and for every woman who needs to know her family history, schedule the appointment, ask the question, and keep fighting.
Read MoreRobyn Stoddard’s Story
Robyn Stoddard found Runway for Recovery on the same day she had her first oncology appointment.
It was Boston Marathon Monday, and after watching runners raise money for cancer organizations, something clicked.
“I was like, you know what? I’m going to run the Boston Marathon next year.”
That search led her to Runway, and soon after, she was selected to model in Boston. Newly diagnosed and still in the middle of treatment planning, Robyn is approaching this chapter with the same determination that has carried her through marathons, public health work, and a career built around science: one step, one question, and one goal at a time.
Read MoreWhy Our Models Choose to Dance the Runway
Experience the power of Runway for Recovery through the voices of our Models—individuals who are breast cancer previvors, survivors, currently in treatment, and those living with metastatic breast cancer, alongside the legacies of loved ones we honor and remember.
Read MoreValerie’s Story
Valerie David’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, purpose, and unwavering hope.
Valerie is a 27-year cancer survivor who has faced multiple diagnoses across her lifetime—from Stage III Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to Stage II breast cancer, and now living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer with bone metastases. “Breast cancer has shaped who I am today by inspiring me to help others through the performing arts,” she shares. For the past eight years, she has been living with metastatic disease, continuing to defy expectations and rewrite what survivorship can look like.
Read MoreBeth’s Story
Beth Gelman’s story is one of profound loss, unwavering honesty, and a deliberate, powerful choice to live with joy.
Read MoreJanis’ Story
As an OB/GYN, Janis has spent decades guiding women through critical health decisions. She knows the statistics. She understands risk factors. But when it came to breast cancer, even she was surprised.
“You don’t think it will happen to you.”
Katie Couric to Model in The 2nd Annual Runway Show, New York City on 4/30/26
We are incredibly honored to announce Katie Couric as our Spotlight Model for the 2nd Annual Runway Show: New York City on April 30, 2026 at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers.
Read MoreKathleen’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.
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