Funded Family
Dan Straffords’s Story
Dan Strafford and his daughters are returning to the Runway stage in memory of Kim.
For Dan, returning to Runway is about his daughters. When he asked if they wanted to walk again, their faces lit up.
“It was something brought to us because of pain that brought them joy,” he says.
Read MoreGiselle & AvaMarie Watkins’s Story
Gisele and Ava Marie Watkins are taking the Runway for Recovery stage in honor of their mother, Shadon Watkins.
When Shadon became part of the Runway for Recovery family, she was living with metastatic breast cancer. Through every treatment, hospitalization, and setback, her focus remained on her daughters and making sure they could still experience joy, confidence, and the simple parts of childhood.
“They are what keep me going,” Shadon shared.
In 2024, Gisele and Ava Marie danced beside their mother on the Runway stage. Last year, they returned to honor her memory. This year, they continue that tradition — celebrating the woman who showed them what courage, resilience, and unconditional love look like.
Read MoreAthena Shearrion-Perkins’s Story
Athena is part of Runway for Recovery’s Family Grants Program, which provides direct support to families navigating the impact of breast cancer.
After losing her mother in March 2020, Athena received a Family Grant that covered tutoring, giving her the academic support and stability she needed during an unimaginable time.
Today, the transformation is remarkable.
“To see her now is unbelievable,” her father says. “Having someone believe in you and seeing that confidence build in her is unbelievable.”
Read MoreMelissa Huber’s Story
Melissa Huber’s breast cancer story begins with her son.
At just four and a half years old, James helped her face one of the most emotional moments of treatment: losing her hair. As Melissa sat in the salon chair, tears rolling down her face, her little boy looked at her and said words she still carries with her today.
“Mommy, you do not need hair to be beautiful.”
Diagnosed at 34, Melissa has faced breast cancer, treatment, recurrence, bone metastases, and liver lesions with honesty, grit, and deep love for the little boy who remains her reason why.
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 MoreArlene’s Story
Arlene, a resilient single mother living in New York City, is navigating life with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Through it all, she remains deeply grateful for the support of Runway for Recovery, which has helped ease the financial burden of everyday expenses and made it possible for her children to continue participating in the activities they love.
Inspired by her own experience, Arlene has become a source of strength for others. She now supports and uplifts newly diagnosed patients, offering empathy, guidance, and a powerful reminder that they are not alone.
Read MoreSiobhan’s Story
Siobhan Donovan, a mother and wife living with metastatic breast cancer, shares her journey and the profound impact of organizations like Runway. A grant has enabled her to focus on her identity beyond cancer, cherishing precious moments and milestones with her children. She emphasizes living fully, being present for every ‘first,’ and enjoying her children’s development.
Read MoreHelena’s Story
SoCal Model, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer & Funded Family
Read MoreDan’s Story
Boston Model, Legacy & Funded Family
Read MoreRenee’s Story
Boston Model, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer & Funded Family
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