Community Stories
Olivia Terrell’s Story
Olivia Terrell calls herself a breast cancer warrior, not just a survivor.
“You have to go in and fight,” she says. “I think half of the battle is your mindset sometimes. If you go in defeated, then you’re not going to make it.”
This year, Olivia walks for herself, in memory of her sister, who passed away after her own breast cancer diagnosis, and for every woman who needs to know her family history, schedule the appointment, ask the question, and keep fighting.
Read MoreLauren Bonato’s Story
Lauren Bonato was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, with two young children at home and a life she was determined not to miss.
At first, the fear was overwhelming. Eventually, instead of focusing only on everything that could go wrong, she began asking herself a different question: “What’s the best that could happen?”
That mindset helped carry her through chemo, surgery, and now radiation. It helped her keep showing up for Christmas, school events, birthdays, her daughter’s recital, and the everyday moments of motherhood that mattered most.
Read MoreCrystal Davis’s Story
Crystal Davis has spent her life caring for others.
This year, Crystal returns to Runway as a survivor, advocate, board member, and recipient of the 2026 Ilene Beal Legacy of Leadership Award — continuing to dance, lead, and light up the stage for a community she believes in.
Now 18 years cancer free, Crystal’s story is one of survival, service, and celebration — a reminder that leadership can come from lived experience, and that support can change everything.
Read MoreCrystal Davis Named Recipient of the 2026 Ilene Beal Legacy of Leadership Award
Runway for Recovery is proud to announce Crystal Davis as the recipient of the 2026 Ilene Beal Legacy of Leadership Award.
Read MoreKathryn Phillips Named Recipient of the 2026 Bill Achtmeyer High-Five Award
Runway for Recovery is proud to announce Kathryn Phillips as the recipient of the 2026 Bill Achtmeyer High-Five Award.
Read MoreWelcome New Board of Directors
Runway for Recovery welcomes Peter Ferrari, Dr. Melissa Rudolph, and Karen Elizaga to our Board of Directors as we celebrate 20 years of serving families facing metastatic breast cancer and loss.
Read MoreCheryl Cuddy’s Story
Cheryl Cuddy is returning to the Runway stage with a milestone she never takes for granted: 20 years since her breast cancer diagnosis.
The last time Cheryl walked with Runway was in 2017, when she was celebrating 10 years as a breast cancer survivor. At the time, she wrote, “I am proud to be alive.” Now, another decade later, those words carry even more meaning.
“I want some of these young girls to know it’s okay,” she says. “You can push through.”
Read MoreAndrea Dean’s Story
As a hairstylist, Andrea has spent years helping other women through hair loss. She has shaved heads in bathrooms and private homes, witnessing just how emotional and traumatic that moment could be.
She never expected to go through hair loss herself.
“I still remember that I said, ‘But what about my hair?’”
“People will say, ‘It’s just hair,’ or ‘It’s just eyebrows,’” she says. “That is not it. It is not just hair. It is your identity.”
That understanding has shaped how she supports others now. She knows that preserving or rebuilding pieces of beauty can also help restore a sense of self.
Read MoreMelissa Huber’s Story
Melissa Huber’s breast cancer story begins with her son.
At just four and a half years old, James helped her face one of the most emotional moments of treatment: losing her hair. As Melissa sat in the salon chair, tears rolling down her face, her little boy looked at her and said words she still carries with her today.
“Mommy, you do not need hair to be beautiful.”
Diagnosed at 34, Melissa has faced breast cancer, treatment, recurrence, bone metastases, and liver lesions with honesty, grit, and deep love for the little boy who remains her reason why.
Read MoreRobyn Stoddard’s Story
Robyn Stoddard found Runway for Recovery on the same day she had her first oncology appointment.
It was Boston Marathon Monday, and after watching runners raise money for cancer organizations, something clicked.
“I was like, you know what? I’m going to run the Boston Marathon next year.”
That search led her to Runway, and soon after, she was selected to model in Boston. Newly diagnosed and still in the middle of treatment planning, Robyn is approaching this chapter with the same determination that has carried her through marathons, public health work, and a career built around science: one step, one question, and one goal at a time.
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