Breast Cancer in my 50’s
Michelle’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 MoreRunway Show, Boston 2025
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 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 MoreMeet the Models, SoCal: Patty Nandy & Danielle Cronin
Patty Nandy was very familiar with breast cancer. Her grandmother, aunt and mother all had breast cancer, which meant she was familiar with the brutality of the disease. It’s why, when her mammogram caught signs of cancer, she was not overly surprised. She was 50 at the time and when it was determined that she would not be able to take tamoxifen, Patty opted for a bilateral double mastectomy.
Read More