Meet the Models: Erin McCarthy

Meet the Models: Erin’s Story – Dancing for Gaga

For Erin, her mom wasn’t just a parent—she was her best friend, her travel buddy, her confidante, and her biggest cheerleader. Now, Erin is walking the Runway in her honor, bringing the same joy, sparkle, and energy her mom brought into every room.

A Bond Like No Other

“My mom and I were incredibly close. We were both only children, which gave us a special kind of bond—just the two of us. We shared everything: road trips, sailing, pets, music, all things Wisconsin.”

They had inside jokes, “summer songs,” and matching personalities. Her mom’s energy was magnetic—she made everything feel fun, and she always found a reason to celebrate.

The Diagnosis that Changed Everything

In March 2017, Erin’s mother was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.

“We were beside ourselves. We had no idea what the road ahead would look like. But we knew she would fight—it was just who she was.”

And fight she did. Thanks to medical advancements, clinical trials, and incredible strength, Erin’s mom lived another seven years. In that time, she watched her daughter get married, buy a home and a boat, start her own business, and become a mother. For three years, she delighted in her role as Grandma Gaga to little Everett.

“She absolutely cherished being a grandmother. It was the most joyful thing in the world to see her with my son.”

Turning Grief into Purpose

When the diagnosis came, Erin felt lost—but she also knew she needed something to focus on. So she signed up to run the Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“I’m not a runner. I had never run more than a 5K. I don’t even like running. But I needed something positive to channel my energy and grief.”

That first race was the beginning of a new chapter. Erin recently ran the Boston Marathon for a second time in her mother’s memory—and she doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. Fundraising, raising awareness, and giving back has become her personal way of honoring the journey she and her family walked together.

Why She Walks

“When I learned about Runway for Recovery, I was instantly drawn in. What better way to honor my mom than with something fun, loud, and full of joy? She would’ve loved this.”

Erin’s mom was the life of the party—always smiling, always celebrating, and always bringing people together. The Runway, for Erin, is a place to channel that same spirit.

“Since her passing, I’ve committed to powering my grief into good. This show, this community, this dance floor—it’s exactly where I want to be.”

What to Know

Erin’s mom never lost her sense of joy. She smiled big. She made everything more fun. And she believed that every day was worth celebrating.

“She brought the party with her wherever she went. Now, I carry that spark with me—and on October 3rd, I’ll be dancing with her in my heart.”