W h y W e W a l k
Christine Gregorek
My runway walk is in memory of my beloved son, Patrick who lost his battle with mental illness in March of 2019. I walk in solidarity with all those that have lost a loved one who has struggled with mental health issues. My hope is that beyond the grief one can find healing and hope, knowing you are never alone.
Sue Landry
I am so honored to be walking the Fashion for Friends runway. In 2021 I was told I had breast cancer. These are words you don’t ever want to hear. I had 4 surgeries since then but can happily say I am cancer free! I am so blessed to have such an amazing, supportive family and group of friends that helped me through. I am walking for them and for all the incredibly strong people that face such difficult challenges.
Julie Ramey
I consider myself a miracle. My breast cancer journey is only one part of my lifelong journey of faith: “the assurance of things hoped for” (Hebrews 11:1). Through every challenge, God gives me the strength, healing, and grace I need. He does not always answer prayers in the way I hope, but He always answers them according to His perfect love and purpose. I am honored to serve as a model in support of all those affected by breast cancer—survivors, those still fighting, and those who fought the good fight. I hope my story reflects courage, hope, and the beauty that can emerge through perseverance and trust in God.
Karen Green
In 2009, an oncologist told me I had two different types of breast cancer, made more complicated by the fact that the treatment for one was contraindicated for the other. Thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Dana Farber and my family, I’ve been in complete remission since 2010.
I’m walking to encourage those who are now undergoing treatment not to lose hope. There is life after cancer, and because of all that you’ve experienced, it can be even more meaningful and joyful than before!
Rachel Gregorek
I am honored to be walking the Fashion for Friends runway in memory of my amazing younger brother, Patrick. When my family and I lost him to mental illness seven years ago, we were forced to adapt to a world without him (physically) in it. At the time, this felt like an impossible task. Without the love and support of family, friends and therapeutic measures, it would have been. Our hope is to spread the love and compassion we were graced with to others who may be navigating similar suffering.
Gill Hogan
I am proud to support Fashion for Friends as a survivor of breast cancer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 at age 35. As a wife and mom to two beautiful boys, ages 5 and 3 at the time, my world was completely rocked by this diagnosis. After countless invasive tests, three months of chemotherapy, two surgeries, five weeks of radiation, and one year of immunotherapy, I am now over four years in remission. Throughout my journey, my family and friends have been both my motivation and support system. I am grateful to now be in a position to help raise awareness and necessary funds to help those impacted by mental health conditions and breast cancer.
Jesse Lucas
Twenty-six years ago, I lost my father to mental illness. At this point in my life, the people I know and love who never met my father far outnumber those who did. Acknowledging this fact is painful. In many ways, it feels like it reaffirms the loss. When Fashion for Friends invited me to walk in his memory, they gave me the opportunity to honor and share his story - to bring his memory back to life.
Today, alongside this group of incredible women, I walk for my father, Wenpu Yan. And I offer solidarity to all those who carry their own invisible losses and struggles. You are not alone.
Alison Sceeles
I am here today walking in memory of our beautiful son, Alex. Alex was a bright light who illuminated our family, his friends, and the countless children he worked with at Martin School and the YMCA. Alex suffered a brain aneurism when he was only 2 1/2 months of age. God saved him as an infant but as a result, he struggled with many physical and emotional challenges throughout his young life.
He worked tirelessly in school and overcame each obstacle with grace, courage, and tenacity. He amazed us all!
As his parents, Rick and I helped whenever we could, but we never allowed him to use his struggles as a crutch. We miss Alex every day and are sad for all he did not get to experience in his short 26 years. Our sons miss their brother and their best friend. Together we have endured this loss with the help of friends, family, counseling, our faith in God and the knowledge that we will be reunited with our beautiful son in Heaven.
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Christine Garabedian
Being human is the most precious gift and yet it can be the most painful. We wrestle and grapple with the variables of the world around us and the worlds within us. Having a severe mental illness makes it painful to wake up every day and live. My brother David was 42 when he didn’t wake up on that devastating morning of Sept 28th, 2024. He suffered silently in a life hidden from the truth of his reality. It hides in the darkness until it doesn’t anymore. Mental illness consumes you, but it can never take your soul. David will forever be a sweet soul in my heart. I will always remember him as my baby brother, the soccer star, and inventor of a better way. I want to walk in honor of the boy and the man he was, and know that he fought a tremendous fight to survive his mental illness. This is why I walk today for Friends and Fashion.
Sue Johnson
I’m honored to take part in this incredible event and walk the runway in memory of my beloved son, Kyle. Through his legacy, many young adults have found the courage to speak openly and honestly about their mental health struggles. He walks beside me every day.
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Julie McGee
Wife, Mother and Grandmother... the greatest titles I will ever hold. Breast cancer survivor is not one I ever wanted, but it is a title that I bear with confidence and humility. The words you never want to hear "you have breast cancer." At 42, this diagnosis shook me. Lucky for me, I had the most amazing family and friends rooting for me through this journey. Steven, my husband, held my hand through all the appointments, treatments, and moments when we anxiously waited for test results. Gracie and Robert, my beautiful children brought laughter and joy on the days that I felt overcome with anxiety. My sister Sue was my confidant on how I was really feeling, and God was my Savior. I walk today for all those who lost their battle and for those who still have one coming.
Mary Lopez
My walk is for breast cancer awareness. I am honored to step onto the runway as a living testament that we can beat this devastating disease.
I stand here today as a ten year survivor. In 2016 at 52, I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) - a rare and highly aggressive form of the disease. IBC is uniquely dangerous because it doesn't present with the lump we are all taught to constantly examine ourselves for and is never discovered before stage 3.
What followed was a long and difficult journey of fear, doubt, deep reflection and ultimately faith. I was blessed with the opportunity to join a clinical trial that has since become the standard of care. Due to their relentless research survival rates have grown.
I am forever grateful to my family and friends, whose love reminded me I was never alone- and above all, to God, whose grace sustained me every step of the way.
The very definition of a woman is strength. Because of this and the strength of those who came before me, we will not rest, and one day we will find a way to beat breast cancer once and for all.
Mary Pierson
Of all of the things I thought I might have the privilege to do during my life, a runway walk as a model, was not one of them! But, here I am as a two time breast cancer survivor, feeling honored and humbled to be walking this most important of runways! I walk the Fashion for Friends runway today for all of the women that have received scary diagnoses, journeyed through various challenging treatments, and experience the fear all of that encompasses. I walk to thank the care teams, the families, and the friends that support women throughout these uninvited journeys. And, I proudly walk to represent all people experiencing and living with a “diagnosis", whether it is breast cancer, a mental health condition, or anything else, it does not define a person in any way, it can even have a positive impact on how you live the rest of your life. Events such as Fashion for Friends are an important part of shining a light on some challenging health conditions, raising much needed funds for research, improved interventions, eventual cures, and to give hope to those that are walking these paths now and will be in the future. I am grateful to be living a full life, and am thankful to have the opportunity to share the runway with such incredible and strong people.
Michaela Andreozzi
At seventeen, I lost my mother, Mary Jayne, to breast cancer after a courageous 12-year battle. Losing her meant losing my greatest
supporter—someone who truly understood me—but I carry her with me in everything I do. Inspired by her strengths and the support I received from family, friends, and therapists, I pursued a path in mental health counseling.
Today, I am grateful to help children and families who are navigating mental health challenges and grief. Giving back has always been a dream of mine, and I am honored to walk in Fashion for Friends, knowing my mother is with
me every step of the way.
Theresa Flynn
Two years ago, at age 48, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer. I lost my grandfather and father to different cancers, but there was no history of breast cancer, and I have no genetic markers. I was lucky as it was caught early. Four rounds of chemo and one month of radiation and I’m happy to say I’ve been in remission for almost a year and a half.
I’m walking today for myself (!) and my family. There is fear and helplessness in the uncertainty that surrounds this disease or any life-altering occurrence, but there is also strength and perseverance. I’m proud of myself and I want my family to know how thankful I am for them and for their love and support.
Jackie Marovelli
After faithfully attending my annual mammograms, I spent three years pointing out what appeared to be a small clogged follicle on my breast. Although it seemed insignificant, I knew something wasn't quite right. During a routine appointment in 2023, my dermatologist took my concerns seriously and performed a biopsy.
That biopsy led to the unexpected diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of an unknown primary site and, after additional MRI imaging, breast cancer.
Thanks to the exceptional care I received at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I underwent several surgeries and am now fortunate to have an excellent prognosis.
My experience reinforced the importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your health. I am especially grateful to my dermatologist, whose diligence and persistence led to the discovery of my cancer when she did. Her willingness to investigate what appeared to be a minor concern made a life-changing difference.
I share my story in the hope of encouraging others to pay attention to changes in their bodies, ask questions, and seek answers when something doesn't seem right. Early detection saves lives, and I am grateful every day that mine was caught when it was.
Participating in this fundraiser is my way of celebrating survivorship, honoring those affected by cancer, and supporting the research and care that give so many of us hope for the future.
Lisa Bentley
In my late forties while playing soccer in my co-ed league, I had a really hard, direct soccer ball hit me in the right breast. A few years later my body told me something was not right and God bless my Doctor he quickly got me in for an MRI and found something. I leaned into my faith, prayed for guidance and did some research. God answered and I listened and I believe that is why I am here today.
This past February, we received news that our niece Keri Veum, age 32, had aggressive breast cancer. It is devastating to hear when all you want to do is protect the children God has blessed you with. Again I lean into my faith and I walk for Keri while she is in the middle of treatment and doing amazing.
On the mental health side, I am so grateful that people are discussing and supporting each other openly. Back in my 20's, mental health was really not addressed. Therefore, I also walk for my high school friend Bobby Lowry who was struggling with mental health when none of us in our teens knew what that was. His passing affected me profoundly. Because of him, I started telling people I loved them more often and more freely.
Our journeys are full of lessons. My hope is that we find some answers so as not to repeat and also to help the next generation navigate and flourish. I want them to know they are not alone in whatever struggles lie ahead. As my youngest son says, we are all connected. Thank you again and may all your journeys be fruitful.
Karly Laliberte
I am walking in honor of my mom, Donna, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this past March. She is my best friend, the world's greatest "Nonna" to my two nephews, an incredible wife, and the most selfless mom anyone could ask for. She is the backbone of our family, always putting everyone else before herself. Her diagnosis is a constant reminder to me to be your own biggest advocate, and that health truly is wealth.
Watching her face this journey has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. She has continued to show up for our family - and for herself - with unwavering strength, grace, and a smile that never seems to fade. After spending 40 years dedicating her heart to teaching and caring for her students, she now continues to lead with love and by example, reminding all of us what resilience, kindness, and courage truly look like.
Mom, I walk for you. I couldn't be prouder to celebrate your strength and support a cause that means so much to our family.
More models to come!