Survivors

“there still seems to be this sense of quiet about breast cancer. I understand it is very personal, but I have been shocked that no matter who I speak to, they are 1 degree separated from breast cancer. There is a fear you live with about anything else that happens that it is the cancer returning.” 

“I am not afraid to tell my patients I have had breast cancer and encourage them to get their mammogram. No matter what the results, you need to keep living. You cannot let it stop you.”

As a teacher, Renee’s life has “always been about the children,” so it seems an easy progression to join the Runway community and celebrate her own journey of strength, while benefitting children and families who need help the most. 

“I had prepared myself in some ways for what it might be like if I got a diagnosis. It all just began from there. I was a machine. I was laser focused on not becoming my mother. I had to be there for my children and get through this.”

When I look back, I look at the positive things- when else do you get to go live in NYC for two months? It was fun.”

“It was funny for everyone and selfishly, it was a good distraction for me.”

“I can do hard things. I am kind of a badass. Surviving this gave me warrior power. It was a great example to myself that I can overcome things.”