For 30 years, Breast Cancer Alliance has been dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, education, and access to lifesaving screening and diagnostic services.
Each year, BCA’s Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show brings together nearly 800 supporters to celebrate the strength, resilience and hope of those touched by breast cancer. At the heart of this special event are our Models of Inspiration—remarkable breast cancer survivors who take to the runway to share their stories, honor the journey of survivorship and inspire our community.
As BCA celebrates its 30th anniversary, this year’s Models of Inspiration hold special meaning, representing the courage that has fueled our mission and the hope that continues to move us forward.
BCA’s 30th Anniversary Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Million Air in West Harrison, New York.
Pay tribute to your personal Model of Inspiration by making a donation in their honor and helping BCA continue its vital work for generations to come.
BCA 2026 Models of Inspiration
Patti Coleman
Diagnosis: IDC
Patti Coleman was living a full and rewarding life as a mother, community leader, and Director of Business Development at The Culinary Institute of America when breast cancer unexpectedly changed everything.
Her journey began 13 years before her diagnosis, when a breast infection led to her first mammogram and biopsy. Although the biopsy was negative, Patti continued to undergo regular mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies, but with no family history of breast cancer, she never considered herself high risk.
One day while boarding a flight to Chicago, Patti’s doctor called to confirm that her most recent biopsy was cancer. She chose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. Four years later, despite being told her chance of recurrence was less than 1 percent, the cancer returned, requiring chemotherapy and radiation.
Today, Patti embraces survivorship with gratitude, resilience, and purpose, determined to live fully and make the most of every opportunity life brings.
Jenny Dellaripa
Diagnosis: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Jenny faced breast cancer twice, twenty-two years apart. The first time, she discovered a lump while gardening and followed her daughters' advice to have it checked. The second diagnosis came through routine screening, and she remembers thinking, "Twenty-two years later, a different breast? That can't be." But it was.
Through both experiences, Jenny stayed optimistic and kept working as a floral designer whenever she could. Her family, friends, and medical team gave her the love and support she needed to keep moving forward. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she rang the bell and celebrated the end of treatment.
Today, Jenny feels stronger and more grateful than ever. Her message to others facing breast cancer is simple: "Don't give up. Be optimistic and look at the good things you have in your life." Grateful for her family, her friends, and the excellent care she received, she continues to live with the same energy and happiness that have always defined her.
Sara Faccidomo
Diagnosis: Stage III Triple Negative
At 39, Sara discovered a small lump in her right breast that grew rapidly over three months. A local OB-GYN sent her for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy within 48 hours. Days later, she learned she had Stage III triple negative breast cancer.
A scientist, wife and mother, Sara allowed herself time to process the diagnosis before focusing on understanding her treatment and advocating for her care. Her treatment included chemotherapy, a unilateral mastectomy, radiation, oral chemotherapy and reconstruction.
Throughout her journey, her husband, mother, family and friends formed an unwavering support system. The Triangle Thrivers, a local support group for women diagnosed before age 40, also gave Sara hope and inspired her to support others.
Now 11 years in remission, Sara is grateful for every day and determined to make time for the people, experiences and dreams that matter most. Her advice is simple: advocate for yourself, ask questions and accept help.
Chrissy Kobe
Diagnosis: DCIS
Elementary school teacher, Chrissy Kobe, was aware of breast cancer risk long before her own diagnosis. In 2017, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and found to carry a BRCA1 gene mutation. Testing revealed Chrissy carried it too, so at 34 she began screening every six months.
In April 2021, that vigilance led to an early diagnosis of DCIS. Given her family history, she chose a lumpectomy followed by a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Her parents moved in during recovery, friends filled her home with care, and her school community and medical team surrounded her with support. As a single woman, she also navigated dating and fertility preservation, learning who truly showed up for her.
In 2023, she met the man who would become her husband, and they married November 2025.
Today, Chrissy speaks openly about survivorship: a diagnosis can change your path, but it does not define your future.
Aaron Leventhal's breast cancer diagnosis marked a turning point in his life. As a carrier of the BRCA gene mutation, he understood the importance of paying attention to changes in his body and sought medical attention after discovering a lump in his chest. A biopsy conrmed invasive ductal carcinoma, beginning a journey that would reshape his perspective on health, family, and purpose.
At the time, Aaron was a professional strength and conditioning coach whose career centered on helping others achieve peak performance, all while raising four children with his wife, Christine. Following surgery to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes, he underwent a year of treatment.
For someone whose identity was rooted in strength, the physical demands of cancer and the fear of leaving his family were his greatest challenges. Through meditation, faith, and the support of those closest to him, he found resilience. Today, Aaron dedicates his career to helping cancer patients use exercise as medicine. He believes survivorship is measured not only by living beyond cancer, but by using that experience to improve the lives of others.
Aaron Levinthal
Diagnosis: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Anna Limb
Diagnosis: Triple Positive
Anna Limb was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer after a routine annual checkup. Before her diagnosis, she owned her own business, worked full time, and commuted three hours a day. On her days off, Sundays and Mondays, she cared for her mother, who lived alone. She also cherished time with her daughter and three grandchildren, often inviting them over and cooking meals for them.
Anna’s treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and nine months of Herceptin. During some of her most difficult days, the prayers, love, and support of her friends and church community gave her strength, comfort, and hope. Their kindness reminded her that she was not alone.
Today, Anna prioritizes her health and appreciates life differently. Her message to others facing breast cancer is: “Do not be afraid. Take one step at a time. Trust your medical team, and remember that there are people ready to support you.”
Maria Manuli
Diagnosis: Stage 1/2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
At 49, Maria was healthy, active, and looking forward to turning 50 and checking off her “50 Before 50” list when breast cancer unexpectedly changed her plans. After experiencing shooting pains and discovering a small lump in her left breast, she was diagnosed in May 2024 with invasive ductal carcinoma. Following a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, doctors discovered a positive node and a second, early Stage 2 tumor. Maria ultimately underwent a double mastectomy followed by 25 rounds of radiation.
Throughout her journey, Maria was surrounded by an incredible community of support. Her husband, children, family, and closest friends were there for every appointment, surgery, treatment, meal, laugh, and difficult day. Maria also found strength in a breast cancer support group, where she connected with women who truly understood her experience.
Today, Maria embraces life with a new perspective, cherishing her family, friendships, the beach, and life’s everyday moments.
Claudia Mayorga
Diagnosis: Stage II ER+
In February 2018, Claudia was diagnosed with Stage 2, estrogen receptor-positive breastcancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. She felt completely healthy and had no symptoms when a routine mammogram revealed the cancer.
Her treatment included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Through the difficult months that followed, Claudia relied on her faith and the unwavering support of her close-knit family. Telling her older son was especially emotional. When he cried, Claudia was reminded of just how deeply she was loved.
Her medical team also became an important source of comfort. Claudia formed friendships with hospital staff who made her feel cared for and special throughout her treatment. She was touched by the flowers, gifts, and kindness she received from friends and loved ones.
Today, Claudia has learned to slow down, prioritize what matters, and appreciate every day. She feels incredibly grateful to be alive. Her message to others is simple: pray, have faith, and trust in God.
Alexis Paul, a Johns Hopkins Athletics Hall of Fame volleyball inductee and founder of AP Accounting & Tax in Greenwich, CT, is known for precision, discipline, and leadership. Three years ago, during a difficult personal transition, she nearly skipped her annual mammogram—but went anyway. That decision saved her life. She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma with mucinous features, and what began as stage one quickly escalated to stage three, requiring radiation and six surgeries in two years.
Telling her young children was one of the hardest moments. Adam guided the conversation with calm strength, while her parents managed early‐morning hospital drives and daily logistics. Together, they formed a unified support system through every stage of treatment.
Today, Alexis embraces each day, travels often, and shares her story to remind others that early detection protects the future.
Alexis Paul
Diagnosis: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with Mucinous Features
Barbara Tretcher
Diagnosis: Triple Positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Barbara was thirty-seven, working in-house counsel at JPMorgan, and mother to two young children when a routine mammogram, recommended by her OB-GYN, changed everything. On her way to work one morning, she was diagnosed with stage III triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma.
Treatment moved quickly: her first surgery came within ten days, followed by sixteen weeks of chemotherapy, five weeks of radiation, and a year of targeted therapy. She would undergo ten surgeries in total at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The physical demands were significant, but the emotional toll was greater, and she spent months fearing she would not be there to watch her children grow up.
In time, the diagnosis became a turning point. Barbara left law behind and earned a doctorate in physical therapy. She now works in exercise oncology, work she loves completely. Barbara believes survivorship begins the day of diagnosis and continues from that day forward, a reminder to live one day at a time.
Laura White
When Laura learned she had breast cancer in September 2025, it came as an unexpected discovery after a breast reduction. A malignant tumor was found in tissue removed from her left breast. Further imaging revealed a second tumor, and surgery found cancer in her lymph nodes. Rather than fear, Laura felt overwhelming gratitude. They had found it, and it was already out of her body.
Exactly one year ago, on the day of BCA’s 29th Annual Luncheon, Laura underwent surgery to remove her second tumor. Today, at the 30th Annual Luncheon, she celebrates one year cancer free.
Laura chose not to research her diagnosis or statistics, staying present and curious about her experience. As an artist and writer, she documented her journey through her work while focusing on rest, creativity and the people she loved. After eight rounds of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation, Laura emerged with a deeper sense of gratitude, connection and joy. Her message is simple: choose the possibility of something wonderful.
Haley Wilk
Diagnosis: Stage I Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Haley’s breast cancer journey began on her 46th birthday, when she received a call from her radiologist just before heading out to dinner with her family. Hiding in the bathroom so she would not worry anyone, she learned she had breast cancer, then returned to celebrate her birthday.
A routine mammogram and ultrasound revealed a suspicious area requiring a biopsy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Haley sought a second opinion, and her doctors performed a biopsy that same day.
At the time, Haley was a stay-at-home mother to three boys and had recently started a small baking business. Diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive lobular carcinoma, she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction.
Supported by her husband, family, friends and medical team, Haley learned to accept help and discovered the importance of allowing others to care for her.
Five years after surgery, she remains healthy and grateful. Today, she lives by the belief that “luck is believing you are lucky,” and chooses to focus on gratitude, hope and the silver linings in life.