Meet the Models: Marcia Bean-Ebersole
Meet the Models: Strength in Every Stage
At Runway for Recovery, we believe every survivor’s journey deserves to be honored in full color—the courage, the complexity, the community. Today, we are honored to introduce one of our incredible models, whose strength has been shaped by three breast cancer diagnoses, a fierce love for her children, advocacy for others, and a commitment to living fully—even in the face of profound loss.
“The first time I was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer, I didn’t let it shake me. I treated it like something to solve and move on from—no drama, no fuss. But by the third diagnosis, I felt the weight of it more deeply. I had already been through so much. The thought of doing it again—and again every few years—hit me harder emotionally.”
What kept her grounded was her purpose: her children.
“They were my goal. I didn’t want to scare them. I wanted to show them that strength doesn’t mean you don’t have bad days—it means you keep going through them.”
The Power of Progress in Research
By her third diagnosis, her cancer was finally identified as HER2-positive—a classification that didn’t even exist back in 1998, when she was first diagnosed. With that diagnosis came new treatment options, including Herceptin, a drug that has significantly improved outcomes for HER2-positive patients.
“It’s incredible to think about how far breast cancer research has come. The science caught up to me. The identification of HER2 and the creation of targeted treatments like Herceptin quite literally changed the course of my life.”
She knows without a doubt that these advances are the result of decades of tireless research and advocacy—and she's living proof of why that matters.
Raising Her Voice for Others
Alongside her gratitude for these medical breakthroughs came a new urgency: to advocate for others facing barriers to care.
“It was surprising to realize how uneven care could be. Some people weren’t approved for life-saving support meds because of insurance—like Procrit or Neulasta. That lit a fire in me to speak up and advocate for others.”
Community, Comfort, and the Power of Presence
From friends who shaved her head and made it fun, to the ones who showed up with milkshakes when she could barely lift her head, she remembers the moments that mattered most.
“What meant the most were the people who didn’t change how they treated me.”
She has not only faced cancer personally, but also as a caregiver—and, heartbreakingly, as someone who has lost a son to it. Her journey is filled with layers of grief, resilience, and unrelenting empathy.
“So I say this to anyone supporting someone with cancer: You don’t need to find perfect words. Just show up. Be kind. Be normal. Be loving. Please don’t say things like ‘I shouldn’t complain around you.’ Pain isn’t a competition. If you have a headache, I can care about that. If I have a fear, it doesn’t cancel out yours. Don’t get so self-conscious that you forget how to be a friend.”
Survivorship is Not a Finish Line
“Don’t immediately think you’re done. So many cancers are survivable. Stage 4 doesn’t mean what it once did. The treatment that didn’t exist five years ago may be ready tomorrow.”
Her story is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. And it’s why she steps onto the runway: not just to celebrate survival, but to inspire research, connection, and hope for all those still fighting.
This is the heart of Runway for Recovery. These are the stories that move us forward.
