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Fashion Week Model's Cancer Battle: From Runway to Recovery
18 Jul
Summary
- Diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer at 39.
- Faced delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.
- Now cancer-free and planning to return to the runway.
Alison McCullough, previously focused on preparing for New York Fashion Week in September 2025, discovered a lump under her arm. Her journey to diagnosis was complicated by age restrictions for mammograms and lengthy waits for appointments in Alaska. At 39, she was diagnosed with an aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, a form that is harder to treat due to the absence of key receptors.
McCullough faced further delays when her chemotherapy infusion center could not schedule her for over a month. Seeking faster treatment, she connected with City of Hope in Phoenix, Arizona, where she received prompt care. She underwent a six-month chemotherapy regimen followed by a double mastectomy in late April 2026.
In May 2026, McCullough received the joyous news that she was cancer-free. This milestone allowed her to begin reconstructive surgery and return to Alaska by early June 2026, in time for her son's 12th birthday. She now prioritizes family time and plans to return to the runway to share her story and inspire others.
