Alison McCullough was thriving physically, preparing to participate in New York Fashion Week 2025. However, her life changed quickly when she found a lump under her arm while shaving. At 39, McCullough was vigilant about her health and understood the potential implications. Seeking medical advice proved challenging as a mobile mammogram provider refused her services due to her age, below the recommended 40 years for regular mammograms by the American Cancer Society. The wait for an appointment with her primary care provider felt endless, with limited alternatives available in her home state of Alaska.
I had to jump through the hoops. It’s quite a long process when you feel like time is of the essence.— Alison McCullough
While awaiting her diagnosis, McCullough busied herself with preparations for Fashion Week to stave off anxiety. Almost two months later, she received the devastating news of an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis.
An Intimidating Diagnosis
Dr. Erica Mayer from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explains that McCullough’s cancer, classified as triple-negative, lacks three key receptors: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. This made treatment more challenging, as most targeted therapies are ineffective. Instead, traditional treatments like chemotherapy, along with new options such as immunotherapy, became viable paths for her treatment. Mayer highlights that medical advancements have improved patient outcomes significantly.
The treatment plan in Alaska faced logistical hurdles, with delays that worried McCullough. Her husband’s concerns about the cancer’s progression added urgency to their situation.
Seeking New Options
Determined to explore other options, McCullough and her husband contacted City of Hope, a cancer treatment facility, in Phoenix, Arizona. To their surprise, the facility responded promptly. Within days, the couple flew to Phoenix, where the medical team quickly developed a treatment plan. This streamlined process was a relief for McCullough, sparing her from navigating Alaska’s challenging conditions for each appointment.
McCullough undertook a six-month chemotherapy regimen starting with few side effects, followed by a more intense phase. Her physical fitness prepared her for this ordeal, as she shifted focus from Fashion Week to battling cancer.
I had a hard time grasping what it was like to be immunocompromised. But I hung in there.— Alison McCullough
Celebrating Victories
McCullough completed chemotherapy in March, a significant milestone. To reduce recurrence risk, doctors performed a double mastectomy in April. Subsequently, in May, she received the uplifting news that she was cancer-free.
With reconstruction surgery underway, McCullough returned to Alaska to celebrate her son’s 12th birthday in June. Family time has become her priority as she recovers and plans to rejuvenate physically and professionally.
Aspiring to Inspire
McCullough is optimistic about her future, expressing excitement to return to modeling. The runway, she believes, offers her a platform to inspire others with similar struggles.
I do see glimmers of fashion shows and pageantry again in my future! Those things help keep me accountable physically, but also provide a path to share my story with the next person that needs hope.— Alison McCullough