Funded Family
Why 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.
Across our Runway Shows in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City, these stories come to life on stage. Each Model walks not only for themselves, but for their families, their communities, and those who can no longer walk beside them.
This is more than an event—it’s a movement rooted in resilience, connection, and purpose. It is a space where strength is celebrated, stories are shared, and a powerful community comes together to remind one another that no one faces breast cancer alone.
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.
Arlene’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 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
Read MoreKathryn & Savannah’s Story 2025
Director of Program & Completed Treatment and Legacy Model
Read MorePaula’s Story
Metastatic Breast Cancer Model & Funded Family
Read MoreMeet the Models: Joshua Smith
This fall, Joshua Smith returns to the Runway for Recovery stage not with his wife, Katie, but for her. Katie passed away in December 2024 after living courageously with metastatic breast cancer for three years. While she is no longer physically with us, her spirit radiates through her family, her former students, and the greater community she inspired—especially the Runway family, where she once danced with joy, defiance, and hope.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Laura Bosse
When Laura was first diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) in 2021, she felt fortunate to have caught it early. Taking an aggressive approach, she opted for a bilateral mastectomy, believing it would eliminate the cancer for good. But two years later, in 2023, her world shifted in a devastating direction: she was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Dan Strafford
This October, one model’s walk down the runway will not just be a step—it will be a living tribute.
He’ll be walking hand-in-hand with his daughters, honoring the life and legacy of their beloved wife and mother, Kimberly—a woman whose presence was as powerful as her love, whose laughter filled rooms, and whose quiet strength guided her family through unimaginable moments.
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