Lauren’s Story

Meet the Models: Lauren Yerkes

On April 7, 2022, at 10:51am, Lauren Yerkes received the call that would change her life. She was preparing for a work meeting when the radiologist told her she had invasive ductal carcinoma. “I remember only hearing the word ‘carcinoma’—I knew what that meant,” she recalls. Overcome with fear and confusion, she rushed to find her husband and handed him the phone. The two stood in their kitchen, hugging and crying, before beginning the painful process of sharing the news with loved ones.

Lauren’s cancer journey tested her physically, mentally, and emotionally—but it also revealed a deep well of strength within herself and those around her. Her husband became what she calls her “co-survivor,” attending nearly every appointment, working from treatment rooms, and ultimately taking a leave from work when Lauren’s health began to decline. Her mother and father stepped in to support with meals, transportation, and companionship. It was a family effort, rooted in love, to carry her through some of the darkest days.

Lauren’s treatment was grueling. After 14 rounds of chemo, she was down 35 pounds, vomiting daily, and too weak to continue. A feeding tube and blood transfusions followed. "Those were the hardest two months of the entire process," she says. Yet even during this time, Lauren found ways to walk, train when she could, and focus on her healing. The generosity of friends who helped take care of her husband—bringing meals, sending gift cards—meant more than words could say. “I knew everyone was focused on taking care of me, but when someone thought of him, it made me so happy. He was the reason I fought so hard to live.”

The mental toll of cancer has been its own long road. Lauren reflects that if she could go back, she would have started therapy earlier in her journey. “Cancer flips your world upside down in seconds—and that fear never fully disappears,” she shares. But her experience has also been transformative. She’s clearer now about what matters, who matters, and how she wants to live. “It’s cliché, but true—I’ve learned to be present, to let go of what I can’t control, and to appreciate each day.”

Now 3.5 years out, Lauren’s message is one of radical presence and compassion. She encourages others to text anyway, call even if you don’t know what to say, and show up—even if that just means sitting next to someone while they sleep. “Those were the greatest gifts I could have ever asked for.” And to those newly diagnosed: find your people, let them help, and breathe through each day. “You lose control of so much during the process. Breathing, crying, smiling—those are the things you can control.”

At Runway, we are honored to hold space for every part of Lauren’s story—from the heartbreak to the healing. And this October, as she walks our Boston runway, she does so with the kind of resilience and grace that reminds us all of why we gather. Lauren lives like there is no tomorrow. She walks with purpose, and for all of us, she shines as a reminder to cherish the tiniest moments and never take life—or love—for granted.