Blog Posts
Becky Read’s Story
Diagnosed at 39, Becky Read found ways to take back control. Her husband shaved her head before chemo could take her hair. After treatment, she threw herself a party called “Becky Got a New Rack,” complete with a band, red devil Jell-O shots, and a show-stopping T-Shirt: “Yeah, they’re fake. The real ones tried to kill me.”
Now, Becky is returning to the Runway stage not only as a survivor, but in honor of her mother and aunt, both of whom passed away from cancer after her own treatment ended.
“I just feel like I need to do this again,” she says.
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 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 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 MoreLauren Bonato’s Story
Lauren Bonato was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, with two young children at home and a life she was determined not to miss.
At first, the fear was overwhelming. Eventually, instead of focusing only on everything that could go wrong, she began asking herself a different question: “What’s the best that could happen?”
That mindset helped carry her through chemo, surgery, and now radiation. It helped her keep showing up for Christmas, school events, birthdays, her daughter’s recital, and the everyday moments of motherhood that mattered most.
Read MoreCrystal Davis’s Story
Crystal Davis has spent her life caring for others.
This year, Crystal returns to Runway as a survivor, advocate, board member, and recipient of the 2026 Ilene Beal Legacy of Leadership Award — continuing to dance, lead, and light up the stage for a community she believes in.
Now 18 years cancer free, Crystal’s story is one of survival, service, and celebration — a reminder that leadership can come from lived experience, and that support can change everything.
Read MoreCrystal Davis Named Recipient of the 2026 Ilene Beal Legacy of Leadership Award
Runway for Recovery is proud to announce Crystal Davis as the recipient of the 2026 Ilene Beal Legacy of Leadership Award.
Read MoreKathryn Phillips Named Recipient of the 2026 Bill Achtmeyer High-Five Award
Runway for Recovery is proud to announce Kathryn Phillips as the recipient of the 2026 Bill Achtmeyer High-Five Award.
Read MoreWelcome New Board of Directors
Runway for Recovery welcomes Peter Ferrari, Dr. Melissa Rudolph, and Karen Elizaga to our Board of Directors as we celebrate 20 years of serving families facing metastatic breast cancer and loss.
Read MoreCheryl Cuddy’s Story
Cheryl Cuddy is returning to the Runway stage with a milestone she never takes for granted: 20 years since her breast cancer diagnosis.
The last time Cheryl walked with Runway was in 2017, when she was celebrating 10 years as a breast cancer survivor. At the time, she wrote, “I am proud to be alive.” Now, another decade later, those words carry even more meaning.
“I want some of these young girls to know it’s okay,” she says. “You can push through.”
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