Runway Shows
Marnie Sheeran’s Story
Through Runway, Marnie has found something that helps her reach back toward joy: connection. She has learned that healing can happen in a community.
“What Runway has given me is support — and exciting things to look forward to.”
Read MoreLily Hsin’s Story
Lily Hsin was only eight years old when she first shared her story with Runway.
Now 14 and starting high school, Lily continues to walk and dance in memory of Rachael, using Runway as a way to honor who Rachael was and keep her spirit present.
“It gives us a way to keep her alive,” Lily says.
Through the years, Runway has given Lily and her family a place to remember, celebrate, connect, and share Rachael’s story with others.
Read MoreLorna Brunelle’s Story
Lorna Brunelle is walking in honor of her mother, Wanda. Wanda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and later learned it had returned as metastatic disease in her bones, liver, and lungs.
Now a two-time cancer survivor herself and currently living with stage four colorectal cancer, Lorna continues to carry her mother’s legacy forward by advocating for screening, supporting patients and caregivers, and reminding others to look for the light, even in the storm.
“I feel like having the audacity of hope is one of the most important pieces,” she says.
Read MoreLaWanda Woumnm’s Story
When LaWanda began training as a 911 dispatcher with the Natick Police Department, she was excited to launch the next chapter of her life.
Six days later, her doctor called with the news: she had Stage 2 HER2+ breast cancer.
What followed was aggressive treatment, deep exhaustion, depression, financial stress, and a lesson LaWanda now carries with her: when you need help, ask for it.
Read MoreBarbara Bigelow’s Story
Barbara Bigelow was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2015.
This March, she reached 10 years with no evidence of disease.
Barbara shares her story to give hope to others living with metastatic breast cancer. “And that’s what I want to do, is give people hope that it’s not over before it’s over.”
Read MoreLynne Cao’s Story
For Lynne, stepping onto the Runway stage is not about being a dancer or feeling perfectly comfortable in the spotlight. It is about courage, connection, and the love that surrounds her when she joins the Runway community.
“Imagine the warmest embrace that you can possibly imagine, the tightest hug,” she says. “That’s kind of how I would equate Runway for Recovery.”
Read MoreLindsay McGloughlin’s Story
Lindsay was first diagnosed with cancer at 28 years old. Her son, Charlie, was only 18 months old.
From the beginning, Charlie was her reason to keep fighting.
“He will never truly know how much he helped throughout my battle,” Lindsay says.
Now, Lindsay is 13 years out from her initial diagnosis, and Runway has become a special and safe place for both her and Charlie. He was only two years old when he made his Runway debut. This fall, he is headed to high school.
Read MoreArlene Garcia’s Story
As Arlene continues living with metastatic breast cancer, there have been many changes: progression in her brain tumors, liver, and bones, difficult side effects, double vision, and the uncertainty of hoping a new treatment will work.
Still, Arlene is holding tightly to hope — especially through her children.
“I am hoping to see them thrive and grow,” Arlene says.
Read MoreKirstie & Caitlin’s Story
Some people have been part of Runway for Recovery since the very beginning. Few embody that history quite like Caitlin MacMillen.
Nearly twenty years later, Caitlin returns to the runway for her tenth Runway event, joined this year by her sister, Kirstie, celebrating not only Runway’s 20th Anniversary but the woman whose love continues to shape every part of this organization.
Read MoreDebby Alter’s Story
Debby Alter was 16 days away from being one year cancer free from kidney cancer when a routine mammogram found breast cancer.
She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and treated with a lumpectomy, followed by a month of radiation. While her treatment plan was physically straightforward compared to what it could have been, emotionally, breast cancer changed everything.
“I can’t even count the ways it’s changed my life,” Debby says. “It’s changed the way I see things. It’s changed the way I feel like I’m seen.”
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