Meet the Models: Barbara Bigelow 2025

Meet the Models: Barbara Bigelow — From Diagnosis to Defiance

Barbara Bigelow has spent over two decades navigating breast cancer. Her journey is one of grit, advocacy, heartbreak, hope—and survival against the odds. She’s not just a patient; she’s a force.

A Sisterhood of Survivors and Sorrow

Barbara was the third sister in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. When she first heard the words “you have breast cancer” more than 20 years ago, she was dumbstruck. With no family history, she believed the odds were in her favor. Suddenly she was alone, confused, and thrust into a healthcare system with no guidance. She recalls sitting across from a general surgeon who said she could “have whatever surgery she wanted” without any data to help guide the decision.

Thankfully, her sister-in-law, a nurse at Beth Israel, made a single phone call that would change her life. Barbara was seen the next day by a top breast surgeon and connected with a breast oncologist who helped her chart a clear path forward. It was the beginning of a long and complicated road, filled with difficult decisions—many made without a roadmap.

The Unthinkable Return

For 13 years, Barbara was in remission. Then, back pain led to an MRI. A tumor was discovered. Her kidney was removed. This time, it wasn’t just a recurrence—it was metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The prognosis was grim. She was told she had 24–36 months to live.

Barbara joined a clinical trial. It nearly killed her—inducing a coma, two months in the hospital, dialysis, and the slow relearning of basic functions like swallowing and walking. But that same trial also melted her tumors. Now, over nine years later, she continues to live without active treatment, with no evidence of disease (NED).

“I wanted to go home so badly. I was in denial about how sick I was. But the trial that almost killed me saved my life.”

Still, the cost has been high. She lives with adrenal damage, permanent balance issues, and is on lifelong steroid treatment. She is a walking miracle—fully aware of the fragility and unpredictability of survivorship.

“Right now, I’m cancer-free. But who knows how long that will last?”

From Survivor to Advocate

Barbara didn’t stop at survival. Her experience galvanized her to become a national advocate for others facing terminal illness. She now serves as Vice President of METAvivor, a nonprofit focused on advanced breast cancer research and equity. Last year alone, the organization raised over $4.1 million, funding 32 research grants.

“When I became metastatic, I became my own advocate. Then I became a patient advocate—because I never want anyone to feel as alone as I did at the start.”

She also speaks across the country, addressing audiences on clinical trials, long-term survivorship, and the realities of life with a terminal illness.

The Unspoken Truths of Terminal Illness

Barbara is candid about what not to say to someone facing a fatal diagnosis.

“Unless you’ve been there, you can’t fully understand it. Don’t offer miracle cures, tell me to be more positive, or compare me to someone else’s story. Just show up. Just listen.”

It’s this raw honesty and refusal to accept toxic positivity that makes her voice so essential. She credits her survival not only to science, but to the unwavering love of her husband and two daughters.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be here. Not everyone has that kind of love and support. I want to make sure no one has to go through this alone.”

Finding Joy in the Spotlight

Barbara returns to Runway for Recovery determined not just to represent the metastatic community—but to celebrate herself.

“I want to find the fun and celebration in my story. It’s been a long, hard road, but I’m still here. That’s worth honoring.”

At Runway, we often hear from participants who hesitate: “My story isn’t as bad as others,” or “I was lucky—I caught it early. I don’t want to take away from someone else’s space.” But here, we reject comparison. We celebrate every journey—from Stage 0 to Stage 4—because every person who hears “You have breast cancer” faces a life-altering moment. No one asks for that diagnosis. No experience is diminished here.

Barbara's story is one of strength forged in fire. It is not only one of survival—it is one of purpose. And this fall, when she steps onto the runway, we will celebrate every step that got her there.