Meet the Models: Kenzie & Adeline Eiserman
Model Spotlight: Kenzie & Adeline
“She is loved.”
This year, sisters Kenzie and Adeline are returning to the Runway stage, walking hand-in-hand not just for their mom, Marci, a seven-year breast cancer survivor, but also in memory of their grandmother, who passed away after her own battle with the disease. For these young girls, the Runway is a space to remember, celebrate, and reclaim joy from the shadow of diagnosis.
A Family’s Strength, A Legacy of Love
Marci’s daughters speak simply and powerfully: “My mom’s mom passed away and she always likes to remember her for her smile, love for the ocean, and lobster.” Their grandmother’s memory is held close by their family—woven into daily life, beach days, and special dinners.
As their mother walked through her own diagnosis, Kenzie and Adeline witnessed strength cloaked in gentleness. “My mom was so positive and kept us involved but did not scare us,” they say. Their role was small, but mighty: “We gave her lots of hugs and love.” Those acts became daily medicine—for her, and for them.
Marci’s Story: Five Years Out, Still Dancing
Diagnosed in 2018, Marci had surgery on September 19 and responded remarkably to treatment. She shared in her 5-year video reflection:
“I was fortunate enough to have a complete pathological response to the chemo. But I’m superstitious—I had a hard time saying I was a survivor. Now at my five-year mark, and especially this year, I’m proud to say it.”
What helped her along the way was connection—to others who had been through it:
“I was able to connect immediately to alumni models with kids the same age as mine when they were diagnosed. I didn’t even know them—it was all texting. But I could ask them, ‘I think I’m starting chemo this day, what should I expect?’ It meant the world.”
A New Kind of Normal
Marci’s journey wasn't just physical. The mental and emotional recovery took time too. In her words:
“I feel that I make leaps and bounds every month to move forward. I almost feel normal again… the new normal that I could have.”
That healing was supercharged the first time she walked in Runway, just four weeks after surgery. It was her moment of reclaiming:
“Getting up there and having people stand up and clap—it was so liberating. I thought I’d cry the whole time, but it was just so fun. You’re alive, there’s adrenaline, and it’s something to celebrate.”
This Year: Full Circle
Seven years later, it’s not Marci who’s walking—but Kenzie and Adeline. They were little girls when their mom first took to the runway. Now, they step out solo—older, stronger, and full of pride.
When asked why they’re walking this year, they say:
“It’s time to remember my mom’s diagnosis with joy instead of how hard it is to think about the diagnosis.”
What They Want You To Know
Kenzie and Adeline were clear and heartfelt:
“That she is loved.”
That love threads through this entire story—through Marci’s strength, her daughters’ hugs, and the Runway community that helped them all feel seen.
This fall, we’ll celebrate all three generations: the memory of a beloved grandmother, the survival of a courageous mom, and the bright, loving hearts of two daughters determined to walk with joy.
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To hear from Marci, their mother, speak herself, we invite you to watch her videos here.
