October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight research advances and reflect on trends in prevention and treatment. At Runway for Recovery‘s annual show held in Boston’s Seaport district Oct. 3, the community took to the stage to celebrate individuals impacted by breast cancer. Now in its 19th year, the New England event brings people together to connect, support one another and redefine what it means to face breast cancer through an empowering night of fashion and celebration.
Founded in 2007, Runway for Recovery addresses a gap in breast cancer support by focusing on the day-to-day challenges families face during and after diagnosis. The organization provides tangible financial assistance for everyday needs – from groceries and childcare to therapy sessions and children’s activities – while creating spaces for survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones to find community and hope.
Guests at the hotel’s event space were met with warm embraces and familiar faces from past gatherings. New and returning attendees found themselves surrounded by a community bonded through shared experiences and courage.
“I think the disease can be really intense and sad and scary,” Boger said. “I think that when you experience what you’re seeing today, you’re full of hope and joy and love.”
With hundreds of members joining together for an uplifting October event, the night’s activities reminded attendees of the impact collective support can have — financial support for basic needs, promoting businesses and nonprofit efforts and offering moments of celebration amid hardship.
This year’s runway show featured a number of spotlight moments honoring key members of the community. Several models with metastatic breast cancer walked, their stories highlighted through video presentations displayed between runway walks.
For the first time in Runway’s 19-year history, the show featured a professional model. Christine Handy, an award-winning filmmaker whose work is being considered for an Oscar, has modeled for major brands including Victoria’s Secret and Cupshe. Handy brought her professional experience to the runway alongside a deeply personal journey with breast cancer, which she chronicled in her 2025 film “Hello Beautiful.” Her presence underscored the show’s mission to redefine what it means to walk with purpose.
The evening marked another significant milestone with the presentation of the first Ilene Beal Legacy of Leadership Award. Created in partnership with Ilene Beal’s foundation, the award honors individuals who embody Beal’s legacy of mentorship, community advocacy and uplifting others. Beal, who died of cancer in 2015, was a trailblazer in Boston’s finance industry, known not only for leading at the highest levels but for her deep commitment to supporting other women.
The inaugural award was presented to Lindsay McGloughlin, a two-time breast cancer survivor, fire lieutenant and mother who has been part of the Runway community since 2013. Boger said McGloughlin broke barriers in the fire service, becoming not only a leader in her department but also paving the way for other women after her.
“Lindsay empowers other women within the fire service by proving it is a field where women can thrive,” Boger said.
The unpredictability McGloughlin faced daily as a firefighter, never knowing what challenge would arise next, became unexpected preparation for navigating the uncertainties of cancer treatment.
“Being able to be fluid and let things kind of play out,” she said, helped her face challenges as they came. That same confidence translated to the runway stage, where she moved from preferring to work behind the scenes to stepping into the spotlight as a leader and role model.
Having experienced breast cancer from both sides — as a child when her mother was diagnosed and now as a mother with the diagnosis — McGloughlin understands the importance of supporting children through a parent’s illness and deeply connects to the Runway’s mission.
“To know that runway helps do that and helps support the children, it’s just so near and dear to my heart,” McGloughlin said.
Throughout a night of confident strides, communal dances and inspiring stories, the Runway for Recovery community came together to redefine what it means to face breast cancer. By funding the mundane yet essential moments in individual lives, the organization provides hope and support that transforms daily struggles into manageable realities.
“You realize when a community like this comes together, you can feel very differently about breast cancer,” Boger said.
