Meet the Models, NYC: Renee Hollander

Renee Hollander was diligent about her mammograms and given she had dense breasts, was used to getting called back for further testing. One particular call back would save her life when the MRI revealed two lumps, one in each breast. Far too small for her to feel on her own, further testing reveled it was a different type of breast cancer in each breast. 

The rarity of her case meant she would receive genetic testing, where she would test positive for a higher risk of four particular cancers. Again, this decision would have a lasting impact, as it encouraged her three siblings to get tested too. They all would test positive and later, each go on to have cancer themselves. Early testing and detection would play a key role in their positive outcomes. 

Ultimately, Renee would go on to have two lumpectomies, chemotherapy and radiation. Though she aimed to work throughout, she had to take time off, but is so grateful to the school administration who made it possible for her to work half days throughout radiation. That crucial support, Renee notes, remained a bright spot in an otherwise unpleasant situation: “I met one of my closest friends through this experience. She was my physical therapist and I still see her all the time. The staff where I teach were amazing, including dragging me through my first year back when I wasn’t myself. It was super hard, but it also was great.” 

Today, Renee still has to receive imaging and testing every three months to monitor any ongoing risk. It’s a constant reminder of cancer in her life, but she is determined to focus on the positive, like a recent milestone- upon turning 60, she needed a new license picture and this time she wouldn’t need a wig: “I have a horrible picture like everyone else in the world, but it’s a horrible picture of the real me.” 

As a teacher, Renee’s life has “always been about the children,” so it seems an easy progression to join the Runway community and celebrate her own journey of strength, while benefitting children and families who need help the most.