Meet the Models: Jennifer Abbott
Spotlight on Jennifer Abbott
"We all have our own story—whether it is Stage 0 or Stage 4. It is still scary."
Jennifer Abbott’s journey with breast cancer reminds us that there is no such thing as “the good cancer.” Each diagnosis carries its own weight, fear, and physical and emotional toll.
Jennifer was about to leave for Maryland with her husband to visit their eldest son when she received the results in her patient portal. Confused and frightened, she texted her friend, Renee Plodzik, a screenshot of the report: “Is this what I think it is?” It was. In that pivotal moment, her husband wrapped her in a hug and said the words so many cling to in uncertainty: “Everything is going to be okay.”
The Reality of Treatment
Jennifer approached treatment thinking it might be manageable. “I felt like it was going to be easy,” she reflects. She believed her health and strength would carry her through radiation with minimal disruption. But by the halfway point, she found herself utterly exhausted. The fatigue, combined with the damage radiation inflicted on her skin, was overwhelming. "It made me stronger and more resilient," she says now—but it wasn’t what she expected.
In hindsight, she wishes she had taken time off from work to give herself the rest she truly needed. That said, she is proud of how she persevered through treatment with the support of her husband, children, and close friends.
The Emotional Weight—and the Guilt
Many times at Runway, we hear people say, "But my story isn't as bad as others," or "I was lucky and caught it early. I don’t think I should be on the Runway." We hear that sentiment from Jennifer too, and we want to say—clearly and proudly—this community is for everyone.
No one ever asks for a diagnosis. No one ever deserves the physical or emotional toll it brings. And every single story is valid, worthy of space, and worthy of celebration. Our hope is that more people have the very best outcomes, and that fewer people ever have to experience the worst. Jennifer’s experience, like so many others, adds depth, strength, and hope to our collective story.
Advice for Others
Jennifer offers this wisdom to others navigating breast cancer: “Breathe. Find support from the ones you love. Take time to process. And do special things for yourself.” She emphasizes that assumptions like “you got the good cancer” are dismissive and harmful. What’s truly helpful, she says, is presence, kindness, and genuine connection.
Resilience and Community
Jennifer’s story is one of inner strength, unexpected hardship, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be supported. Her honesty underscores how important it is not to minimize any diagnosis—and how critical it is to allow survivors the space to both grieve and grow.
At Runway for Recovery, we are honored to walk beside her, and to hold space for all stories, just as they are.
