Parents with Breast Cancer
Lisa Carlin’s Story
Lisa Carlin was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38, when her daughters were just three and five years old.
Now, 13 years later, Lisa has turned that experience into purpose.
The hot pink ballet flats she wore during treatment became a symbol of strength and connection with her daughters. Years later, that symbol inspired Poppies with Purpose, her shoe brand created to bring comfort, empowerment, and joy to others walking through breast cancer.
Read MoreAnne Bunn’s Story
For Anne, Runway takes a topic that can feel ugly, heavy, and often hidden, and shows another side of it. The event reminds her family that cancer is part of their story, but it does not define who they are.
Read MoreKristin Ferrari’s Story
Kristin Ferrari was diagnosed with Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma in September 2012, at the age of 40. One month later, she underwent a double mastectomy at Massachusetts General Hospital.
This year, Kristin returns not only as a survivor, but as a co-chair for the 20th Anniversary Boston show and a Board Member!
Read MoreRenee Plodzik’s Story
Living with metastatic breast cancer, Renee has learned to live in three-month cycles, planning around scans and finding ways to stay present with her family. Her relationship with Runway began in 2022, when her first show helped her understand that even with a Stage 4 diagnosis, there is still hope.
“Maybe I’m not strong enough to live through metastatic breast cancer,” Renee says. “But I am strong enough to live with it.”
Read MoreLindsay Bababekov’s Story
Lindsay, who is currently in treatment, wants people to know how much it matters to show up.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” she says. “Even saying you don’t know what to say, but you are there for them, means the world.”
Read MoreChristina Clements’s Story
Christina learned how much peace can come from having a plan and a team you trust.
“I didn’t start to feel better until I had a plan,” she says. “Once that was in place, I could breathe again.”
Read MoreAshley Maxey’s Story
Ashley Maxey was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and then metastatic breast cancer in 2021.
Since then, Ashley has kept her eyes on her kids. Her job now is to fight to be here for their moments and memories.
Her advice is simple: “Take it one day at a time. Give thanks with each day you are given. Don’t forget to smile and hug the ones you love.”
Read MoreMarci Eiserman’s Story
For the past few years, Marci has watched her daughters, Kenzie and Addie, take the stage without her. She loved being able to sit in the audience and experience the show from that side. But when Olivia asked her to come back for the 20th, Marci decided not to wait for the 10-year milestone she once had in mind.
Marci is excited to return to the stage and show newer models what life can look like years after diagnosis.
Read MoreLiz Silverman’s Story
Liz Silverman first shared these words with her children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer: “We can’t choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we will react to it.”
Liz and her family continue to try to live by that idea.
Read MoreDorothy Burnhams’s Story
Dorothy Burnham was nursing her infant while her two-year-old played at her feet when she noticed a lumpy area in her left breast.
Surrounded by all things baby, Dorothy assumed it was related to breastfeeding. It was not.
Today, Dorothy continues to be part of Runway as a member of the Board of Directors, helping carry forward the kind of support that families need when breast cancer interrupts ordinary life.
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