A Journey Through Breast Cancer: Alison McCullough’s Courageous Fight

Alison McCullough, a 39-year-old model preparing for New York Fashion Week, discovered a lump under her arm while shaving. Her familiarity with her body led her to sense the gravity of the situation. Despite wanting immediate medical attention, she faced hurdles accessing care.

A mobile mammogram provider denied her screening since she was not yet 40, the age recommended by the American Cancer Society for regular mammograms. This delay required a referral from her primary care doctor, but with long waiting times in her home state of Alaska, options were limited.

“I had to jump through the hoops,” McCullough said. “It’s quite a long process when you feel like time is of the essence.”

Distracted by her commitments for Fashion Week, she hoped to avoid dwelling on possible worst-case scenarios. However, nearly two months after she first discovered the lump, the diagnosis came: triple-negative breast cancer, renowned for its aggressive nature.

Dr. Erica Mayer, director of breast cancer clinical research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains that triple-negative breast cancer lacks three key receptors: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. This absence restricts treatment possibilities to traditional methods like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, alongside newer approaches such as immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates.

McCullough’s apprehension grew when she learned her treatment options were limited. Compounding this was the delay in starting chemotherapy at the infusion center, making her fear that waiting could worsen her condition.

Determined to find alternatives, McCullough turned to City of Hope, an organization specializing in cancer treatment, with facilities across four states. After contacting the Phoenix, Arizona office, she received a rapid response, and within days, she and her husband were on a flight.

At City of Hope, McCullough’s treatment plan was promptly implemented, including chemotherapy regimens over six months. Initially, side effects were mild, but they increasingly impacted her later on.

“I had a hard time grasping what it was like to be immunocompromised. But I hung in there,” McCullough said. “Before, I had been preparing for Fashion Week, but there was something bigger that I was about to have to fight for.”

In March, McCullough completed chemotherapy, which felt like “a big win.” Her doctors recommended a double mastectomy to prevent recurrence. By mid-May, her oncologist declared her cancer-free, paving the way for reconstructive surgery.

Returning to Alaska in June coincided with her son’s 12th birthday, marking a joyous reunion with her family. As part of her recovery, she plans to return to the gym and the runway, using her platform to inspire hope with her story.

“I do see glimmers of fashion shows and pageantry again in my future!” McCullough said. “Those things help keep me accountable physically, but also provide a path to share my story with the next person that needs hope.”