Meet the Models, New England: Melanie Randall

Five years out from diagnosis, Melanie Randall reflects that “the further out I am, the struggle has changed so much. To a naked eye, I am back to normal and I am good, but in reality that isn’t the case. Surviviorship is extremely challenging and I will never be the same person I was before the diagnosis.”

Melanie was diagnosed at 34 when she saw a visible tumor on her breast: “I knew something was wrong. Once I was diagnosed, I finally felt like ok, now I can do something about this. That was a gift.” Facing a cancer diagnosis, divorce and COVID wasn’t easy, but her boyfriend provided an immense amount of support. Newly dating at the time of her diagnosis, she told her boyfriend he was off the hook. His response was swift- “I am not going anywhere and neither are you.”

For Melanie the sisterhood she has gathered around her of women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis has been essential. Indeed, she notes that “many well meaning people in my life just don’t get it, and I don’t want them to!” It’s the women who know the reality of medications, hot flashes and more that have been her steadfast support. Indeed, it was that support that allowed Melanie to come to the decision to go flat, something she absolutely believes was best for her.

Five years on she continues to find ways to authentically honor her journey with breast cancer. A participant in Runway for Hope (which features breast cancer survivors as models- showcasing costumes by local artists), Melanie is excited to add another runway to her repertoire in October. Mostly though, she is excited to grow her sisterhood of women who “just get it.”

Always a mentor herself, she stresses to those newly diagnosed that “you’re not alone and you don’t have to be alone during any of it. Take a deep breath, don’t feel rushed into treatment decisions. You do have time to think. Find your team and find your support.”