Parents with Breast Cancer
Michelle’s Story
Michelle Gallegos never expected to hear the words “Stage 4” after having already been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer once before. In 2013, she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction, closing what she thought was a painful chapter. More than a decade later, in early 2024, she found herself once again on the other end of a diagnosis—this time, metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her bones.
Read MoreShannon’s Story
When Shannon Bernhart received her diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma on September 2, 2022, she was in the midst of planning for a joyful chapter in her life—she had just received the green light to pursue embryo adoption. The news of her cancer hit hard and fast, clouding a moment that was meant to be filled with hope and possibility. “I was pretty numb at first,” she recalls. “And then I got angry. It took time to digest it all.”
Read MoreChristina’s Story
When Christina Clements received her breast cancer diagnosis, she was stationed thousands of miles from home on the remote island of Guam, with her children just 5 and 8 years old. The news was devastating—and isolating. But Christina’s resilience, bolstered by the people who showed up for her, carried her through one of the most challenging chapters of her life.
Read MoreMonique’s Story
Boston Model, Completed Treatment
Read MoreDan’s Story
Boston Model, Legacy & Funded Family
Read MoreRenee’s Story
Boston Model, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer & Funded Family
Read MoreMeet the Models: Sheelagh Cawleyknopf 2025
“Don’t disappear.”
When Sheelagh Cawley reflects on her experience with breast cancer, she doesn’t focus first on her diagnosis, or the treatments, or even the fear. She begins with something deeper—something many people forget:
“If there’s one thing I wish people who will never be diagnosed could understand, it’s this: don’t disappear.”
Read MoreMeet the Models: Melissa Dupuis
When Melissa Dupuis heard the words “you have cancer,” her world closed in. It was January 5th, 2022 at 4:00 p.m., and the diagnosis came through her online patient portal. As she sat on the couch and read the results, her one-year-old daughter was calling from the other room. Paralyzed by fear, Melissa turned to her husband and asked the only question she could manage: “Am I going to die?”
Read MoreMeet the Models: Jennifer Abbott
“We all have our own story—whether it is Stage 0 or Stage 4. It is still scary.” Jennifer Abbott’s journey with breast cancer reminds us that there is no such thing as “the good cancer.” Each diagnosis carries its own weight, fear, and physical and emotional toll.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Renee Plodzik 2025
Model Spotlight: Renee Plodzik Runway Show: New England | Diagnosed: Stage 0 at 34, Metastatic at 42 Renee Plodzik is a woman who redefines strength—not because she’s never broken, but…
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