Parents with Breast Cancer
Andrea Myette’s Story
Andrea Myette was raised in a family where difficult things were not often talked about.
When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Andrea did not know right away. Years later, when Andrea received her own diagnosis, she found herself responding in a similar way: keeping it concealed.
But when her daughter, Lindsay, was diagnosed with breast cancer, something changed.
“That’s what really opened me up,” Andrea says.
Andrea has learned that there is strength in sharing and allowing others in.
“It’s much better if you reach out and join in,” she says.
Read MoreDebbie First’s Story
Debbie First was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1977 and had 13 months of a groundbreaking treatment. With three children under 12 and the support of her husband, Debbie managed a full time position as Executive Director of Action for Children’s Television. Nearly five decades later, she is cancer free and walks the Runway stage for the third time with a unique perspective on how far cancer awareness, research, treatment and support have come—giving us hope for a future with more cures and more people living with the disease.
Read MoreJennie Vargas’s Story
As a single mother diagnosed with breast cancer, Jennie’s first fear was not for herself. It was for her kids. But through treatment, Jennie found strength, faith, and a renewed commitment to her own happiness.
“I always get back up, no matter what,” she says.
Read MoreKristen Isola’s Story
After eight rounds of chemotherapy, two surgeries, and 30 rounds of radiation, Kristen is nearly one year out from finishing treatment. Now, she is stepping onto the Runway stage to show her sons something beyond the hard parts.
“This is a moment in our story,” Kristen says. “It isn’t who your mom is.”
Read MoreCassy Villalta’s Story
Cassy Villalta has spent years living with uncertainty.
After doctors found a spot on her ribs in 2022, Cassy did not know whether the cancer had spread to her bones. Because the spot could not be biopsied, she moved through each treatment and appointment without the clear answer she wanted.
Still, Cassy kept going.
“I never looked at it as a diagnosis and a death sentence,” she says. “It was kind of just like, oh, this is what I have, and we’re going to do X, Y, and Z to get through it.”
Now, after three clear CT scans, Cassy is preparing to finish monthly treatment and move to six-month check-ins.
Read MoreAnn Reis’s Story
Today, 17 years after being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, Anne Reis is in total remission and no longer taking medication.
Anne returns for Runway’s 20th Anniversary Show with deep gratitude, joy, and purpose: walking for herself, her children, her grandchildren, and especially her late twin sister, Molly.
For Anne, this year is a celebration of life, survivorship, family, and the sister whose spirit is always with her.
Read MoreAmy Burke’s Story
Amy Burke has always wanted to prove to herself that she could run a marathon.
This year, she did exactly that as part of Runway for Recovery’s first Boston Marathon team.
At the time, Amy was still in maintenance treatment, receiving a monthly shot and seeing her oncologist every month. But when Runway received marathon bibs, Amy knew it was her sign.
“If I’m going to run it for someone, I’m going to run it for Runway,” Amy says.
Read MoreSara Weiss’s Story
Sara Weiss’ children have grown up on the Runway stage.
When Sara first became involved, they were young, watching their mother turn her breast cancer diagnosis into purpose. Over the years, Runway became part of their lives too — a place where they could feel connected, understood, and empowered to help others.
For Sara, that may be one of Runway’s greatest gifts: giving children a place to belong, to understand what their families have been through, and to learn that they can make a difference too.
“Runway has meant the world for them,” Sara says.
Read MoreSiobhan Donovan’s Story
Siobhan Donovan is returning to the Runway stage with her children by her side.
When Siobhan was first diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, her children were so young that much of the cancer world was outside their understanding. Now, as they get older, Siobhan wants them to experience the parts of this community that have brought her support, joy, and connection.
“It’s not all bad,” Siobhan says. “It’s not all bad, and you’re not in it alone.”
As she approaches five years since her diagnosis, Siobhan is holding many emotions at once: gratitude, joy, fear, heaviness, and hope. Through it all, Runway has helped her feel seen as someone who is still living her life while living with cancer.
“Runway just makes you feel seen,” she says.
Read MoreEmily Knight’s Story
Emily Knight was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022, just before her 40th birthday.
Now living with metastatic breast cancer, Emily continues treatment indefinitely and is currently doing well, with clear scans since radiation and treatment to the affected area.
Through it all, Emily has found that community matters most.
“The community is the most important thing,” Emily says.
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