Survivors
Meet the Models: Debbie First
Debbie First is a force. A powerhouse of a woman. She was one of Runway’s very first models back when we taped Christmas lights to the floor of a country club. And this year, for the 15th anniversary, she’s back.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Stacey Fusco
We welcomed Stacey to our virtual Runway last year, but today, Stacey remains positive and describes her breast cancer journey as “very smooth.” Always smiling, Stacey notes that she truly takes “every day as a blessing” and though the pandemic delayed her reconstructive surgeries- they were supposed to be complete in 2019, but did not complete until summer of 2020- she remains thankful that she has continued to be able to take advantage of life. Indeed, only five days prior to visiting the Runway offices in summer 2021, Stacey had one last major surgery and as she walked out of operating room to her father in the waiting room, he said, “you’re incredible. You still have a pep in your step after all this.” She can’t wait to honor her journey with the Runway family and we are so excited for the world to experience her positivity when she lights up the 15th Anniversary runway- this time, in person! We are honored to re-share Stacey’s breast cancer story below:
Read MoreMeet the Models: Liz Mover
As an ICU nurse, Liz Mover was familiar with the hardships of devastating medical diagnoses. It wasn’t something, at age 34, she thought she would have to face, but when she found a lump in her breast and started experiencing arm pain, her reality quickly altered. After a mammogram and ultrasound, Liz read over her biopsy report and was able to determine she did indeed, have breast cancer. After the news in February of 2018, “it was a total whirlwind” of genetic counselors, oncologists, surgeons and more. Liz had a double mastectomy, port placement and four cycles of chemotherapy: “it felt like time had froze, but in reality it was still very much moving. I was so involved in making a plan, but as time passed I still had to figure out how to tell my children why I would be losing my hair and feeling crappy.”
Read MoreMeet the Models: Sarah Creighton
arah Gean glows with positivity and it’s why one would never be able to guess how fraught with difficulty her breast cancer journey has been. Her diagnosis came from her own self-awareness, after she noticed swelling and tenderness in her armpit. Her ultra sound and mammogram did not show her tumor. It would be a follow up MRI that finally revealed she had breast cancer. She got the news while in the car with her family, just before Christmas, on December 21, 2019.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Nicole Merhill
Nicole Merhill considers herself “the queen of referrals to Mass General Hospital.” It’s a title most would never strive for, but Nicole laughs when she reflects on how many people she has connected with the incredible medical team there. She knows first hand how impactful an amazing team of doctors is because she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, but not before an incredible few months of self advocacy.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Laura Allen
On January 3, 2020 Laura Allen got the call no one wants. It was from her doctor, letting her know she had stage 1 B breast cancer. At a time of year where people are focused on goal setting and fresh starts, Laura’s reality was one of shock and uncertainty.
Read MoreMeet the Models: Tara Runnals
Nine years out from her breast cancer diagnosis, Tara Runnals is reflective about how far she has come in her journey: “so much about breast cancer and the diagnosis is trying to get back to normal and rebuilding your body from intense treatment.”
Read MoreMeet the Models: Valerie Campbell
Val Campbell had a long day. It was Thanksgiving of 2016 and she had just spent the day eating and celebrating with family. She finally was able to crawl into bed late that night and much to her surprise, she felt a lump. She messaged her doctor and spoke with a nurse the next morning. “I went in on Black Friday and within a week, I got the call saying ‘it’s cancer.‘”
Read MoreMeet the Models: Hilda Parrott
At 66, Hilda is an incredible picture of health and style. Matched with her grace and confidence, one can’t help but be enamored with her. Her breast cancer journey is one of inspiration, proving that out of an unfortunate diagnosis can come incredible moments of life changing clarity.
Read MoreWhy We Rally: Becky’s Story
I often think that I do not have a story. But, when asked to share, I took some time to reflect on my journey. I am not sure it is possible to put into words how I have felt since receiving my diagnosis: grateful, guilty, scared, strong, anxious, hopeful to name a few but most of all loved and supported. I am so very blessed to be surrounded by my family and the most incredible people.
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