Metastatic Breast Cancer
Sarah Hickey’s Story
Sarah Hickey dreams of being there for her daughter’s wedding.
For a long time, she imagined that certain future milestones such as this would define the fullness of her life.
But she is also learning to see that fullness in the present: dropping her daughter off at kindergarten, tucking her in at night, and sharing the small, ordinary moments that now feel anything but ordinary.
“I’m measuring the success of my life in those little moments,” Sarah says.
She still wants the big moments. But she no longer believes they are the only proof of a life well lived.
Read MoreArlene Garcia’s Story
As Arlene continues living with metastatic breast cancer, there have been many changes: progression in her brain tumors, liver, and bones, difficult side effects, double vision, and the uncertainty of hoping a new treatment will work.
Still, Arlene is holding tightly to hope — especially through her children.
“I am hoping to see them thrive and grow,” Arlene says.
Read MoreBarbara Bigelow’s Story
Barbara Bigelow was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2015.
This March, she reached 10 years with no evidence of disease.
Barbara shares her story to give hope to others living with metastatic breast cancer. “And that’s what I want to do, is give people hope that it’s not over before it’s over.”
Read MoreLynne Cao’s Story
For Lynne, stepping onto the Runway stage is not about being a dancer or feeling perfectly comfortable in the spotlight. It is about courage, connection, and the love that surrounds her when she joins the Runway community.
“Imagine the warmest embrace that you can possibly imagine, the tightest hug,” she says. “That’s kind of how I would equate Runway for Recovery.”
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 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 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.
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