Meet the Models, New England: Amy Burke
Amy Burke was just 38 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She noticed dimpling in her breast, a symptom she would have otherwise ignored until she saw a college friend’s Facebook post about breast cancer symptoms. In September of 2023, she received a stage 2 diagnosis. Her doctor’s words of “treatable and curable” remained her motivation to move positively through treatment.
Amy endured 16 rounds of chemo, ending in March 2024. In May of this year she received a double mastectomy. Throughout her journey, she remained vocal in the hopes it will help other women see symptoms, get checked and proactively fight the disease. Even more impressive, she continued working as a teacher, exercised every single day, all on top of being a mom to a six and four year old: “I needed to be as normal as possible and do as much as I can.” A college basketball player, her athlete’s mentality prepared her to “attack this, fight this and get through it.” Indeed, she drew inspiration from Peloton instructor Jess Sims’ famous quote, “line em up and knock em down.”
Amy acknowledges she never would have been able to get this far without the support of family and friends. Chiefly her husband, who attended every single chemo appointment with her: “It was sort of bittersweet when chemo was done. We formed such a bond with the chemo nurse, but it was also this amazing alone time together without chaos or kids.”
Friends stepped up too, creating meal trains and a line of Amy’s Army- Nobody Fights Alone t-shirts and sweatshirts. Her parents and in-laws helped with childcare during treatment and even strangers rallied around her. Freshly diagnosed, Amy attended the Playing for Pink field hockey game at Newburyport High School where her cousin was head coach. A senior captain had Amy’s name written on the back of her t-shirt. It was a poignant moment Amy remembers well: “it was literally right after my diagnosis-no treatment yet- and to see that? I don’t cry, but I did get emotional in that moment thinking we didn’t even know each other, yet she did that and I was blown away.” Amy went on to wow the crowd by speaking at this year’s Love Local, Newburyport.
It only seems fitting that her next step will be onto our Runway in the fall. It will be a moment to celebrate her journey, particularly for her children. At just 7, Amy’s daughter was acutely aware of her mother’s battle, especially when Amy lost her hair: “her biggest thing was the bald head. I had a wig, but didn’t find it comfortable so I just rocked the bald head.” Her son, age 3, shaved his head, and continues to, to look just like his mom.
Amy’s Army will be cheering her on down the Runway and indeed, she remains a steadfast example that “nobody fights alone.”