Runway Shows
Renee Plodzik’s Story
Living with metastatic breast cancer, Renee has learned to live in three-month cycles, planning around scans and finding ways to stay present with her family. Her relationship with Runway began in 2022, when her first show helped her understand that even with a Stage 4 diagnosis, there is still hope.
“Maybe I’m not strong enough to live through metastatic breast cancer,” Renee says. “But I am strong enough to live with it.”
Read MoreMeredith Parkinson’s Story
Meredith Parkinson is an Ironman triathlete, which means she knows her body.
So when one of her children accidentally kicked her in the breast and the pain felt worse than normal, Meredith paid attention.
Read MoreLindsay Bababekov’s Story
Lindsay, who is currently in treatment, wants people to know how much it matters to show up.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” she says. “Even saying you don’t know what to say, but you are there for them, means the world.”
Read MoreChristina Clements’s Story
Christina learned how much peace can come from having a plan and a team you trust.
“I didn’t start to feel better until I had a plan,” she says. “Once that was in place, I could breathe again.”
Read MoreBrienne Black’s Story
Dancing has always brought Brienne joy when she was so scared.
“It was one thing that could take my mind off the cancer,” Brienne says.
That is why Runway has deeper meaning for Brienne.
“The idea of dancing, even just for a moment, breaks you from the pain and fear,” she says. “That’s why I love that people dance down the runway, not walk.”
Stay tuned for something special at the 20th Anniversary show!
Read MoreBecky Conary’s Story
Breast cancer first touched Becky’s life when her mom was diagnosed in 2007. Watching someone she loved go through breast cancer changed her in ways that were hard to explain. A few years later, Becky faced her own diagnosis at 39.
After feeling a tiny lump in her right breast, Becky asked her doctor about it. A mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy followed. Just days before her 40th birthday, she heard the words: “I’m sorry and very surprised to share with you that you have breast cancer.”
“I am living proof of why self-examinations and mammograms are so important.”
Read MoreAshley Maxey’s Story
Ashley Maxey was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and then metastatic breast cancer in 2021.
Since then, Ashley has kept her eyes on her kids. Her job now is to fight to be here for their moments and memories.
Her advice is simple: “Take it one day at a time. Give thanks with each day you are given. Don’t forget to smile and hug the ones you love.”
Read MoreMatt & Zoe Ward’s Story
Matt Ward has been part of Runway for Recovery since almost the very beginning. His daughter, Zoe Lorraine, is part of what comes next.
Read MoreMarci Eiserman’s Story
For the past few years, Marci has watched her daughters, Kenzie and Addie, take the stage without her. She loved being able to sit in the audience and experience the show from that side. But when Olivia asked her to come back for the 20th, Marci decided not to wait for the 10-year milestone she once had in mind.
Marci is excited to return to the stage and show newer models what life can look like years after diagnosis.
Read MoreLiz Silverman’s Story
Liz Silverman first shared these words with her children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer: “We can’t choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we will react to it.”
Liz and her family continue to try to live by that idea.
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