Legacies of Passed Loved Ones
Lorna Brunelle’s Story
Lorna Brunelle is walking in honor of her mother, Wanda. Wanda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and later learned it had returned as metastatic disease in her bones, liver, and lungs.
Now a two-time cancer survivor herself and currently living with stage four colorectal cancer, Lorna continues to carry her mother’s legacy forward by advocating for screening, supporting patients and caregivers, and reminding others to look for the light, even in the storm.
“I feel like having the audacity of hope is one of the most important pieces,” she says.
Read MoreLily Hsin’s Story
Lily Hsin was only eight years old when she first shared her story with Runway.
Now 14 and starting high school, Lily continues to walk and dance in memory of Rachael, using Runway as a way to honor who Rachael was and keep her spirit present.
“It gives us a way to keep her alive,” Lily says.
Through the years, Runway has given Lily and her family a place to remember, celebrate, connect, and share Rachael’s story with others.
Read MoreKirstie & Caitlin’s Story
Some people have been part of Runway for Recovery since the very beginning. Few embody that history quite like Caitlin MacMillen.
Nearly twenty years later, Caitlin returns to the runway for her tenth Runway event, joined this year by her sister, Kirstie, celebrating not only Runway’s 20th Anniversary but the woman whose love continues to shape every part of this organization.
Read MoreErin Gonzalez’s Story
Erin Gonzalez is walking to honor the extraordinary woman who shaped her life: her mother, Denise Callahan.
“My mom never let cancer define her,” Erin says. “She was resilient, optimistic, and determined to make sure I would be okay.”
Read MoreNicole Niccoli’s Story
Breast Cancer has taken so much from Nicole’s family, but she is now choosing to move forward with purpose: living more fully, gathering knowledge for her daughters, and holding onto the hope that research today could help protect them tomorrow.
“Before, I wasn’t living,” she shared. “But now I am trying to truly live every day.”
Read MoreJenny Clayton’s Story
After Jenny’s mother, Jean, passed away from breast cancer, Jenny and her sisters created a tradition to face their own family history together.
They called it Boobs and Baubles.
Each year, the sisters go for their mammograms together, supporting one another through the appointments before choosing a piece of jewelry to commemorate another year. What began as a way to make something frightening feel more celebratory has become one of the most meaningful traditions they share.
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 MoreAkhiel Willis and Kacey Morin’s Story
Akhiel and Kacey are walking in memory of Cheryl, Akhiel’s mother.
Cheryl’s breast cancer diagnosis came after months of pain that did not feel normal. She had trouble walking, climbing stairs, and moving through daily life, yet Akhiel remembers feeling like answers came too slowly and the plan never felt clear enough.
“It felt like they weren’t taking her seriously, or as seriously,” Kacey says.
Cheryl’s story is a celebration of a fiery woman with fierce style, deep love for family, and unwavering faith in her son. But it is also a reminder of the unequal treatment too many patients face, especially Black women whose symptoms are too often dismissed or not taken seriously enough.
This October, Akhiel and Kacey walk to honor Cheryl’s life and to raise awareness about listening sooner, asking harder questions, and making sure every patient receives the care and urgency they deserve.
Read MoreChristina Muratore’s Story
Christina Muratore’s Runway story has always been tied to her sister, Katie.
For years, Christina cheered from the audience as Katie danced across Runway stages. Then, after Christina’s own breast cancer diagnosis, Katie encouraged her to step into the light herself.
Now, Christina returns to the Runway stage in Katie’s memory — carrying her sister’s name, spirit, and legacy with her in every step.
Read MorePatricia’s Story
Patricia San Pedro describes her breast cancer journey in a way that stops people in their tracks. “I can’t imagine what my life today would be like if I had not had breast cancer… and that sounds bizarre.”
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