Alison McCullough’s Inspiring Battle Against Aggressive Breast Cancer

Alison McCullough was in peak physical condition when a startling discovery altered her course. While getting ready for New York Fashion Week in September 2025, she noticed a lump under her arm. Her awareness of her body led to immediate concern about its implications.

McCullough, then 39, was ready to get the lump checked. However, she encountered unexpected obstacles. A mobile mammogram unit turned her away due to age-related guidelines. She needed a referral from her primary care doctor, where appointment waits were lengthy. In Alaska, her home state, options were limited.

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

During the waiting period, McCullough avoided researching possible outcomes. Fashion Week provided a helpful distraction. Yet, two months post-detection, she received an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis.

I was shocked, McCullough revealed. Information about the invasive nature of her cancer and her BRCA-2 gene status kept worsening. I thought they’d cut it out and I’d be on my way, she noted. Unfortunately, she faced chemotherapy and hair loss.

An Intimidating Diagnosis

McCullough’s diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer is serious, representing 10-15% of breast cancer cases, stated Dr. Erica Mayer from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who was not involved in McCullough’s care.

This cancer type lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Absence of these receptors often limits targeted treatment options. Patients can pursue traditional chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or innovative treatments like immunotherapy.

Despite treatment advances, McCullough was scared about her options. Adding to her anxiety, her chemotherapy schedule faced delays. McCullough’s husband stressed the urgency, prompting them to explore other facilities.

Exploring New Treatment Options

The couple reached out to City of Hope, known for cancer research and treatment, with teams across four states. After contacting the Phoenix office, McCullough received an encouraging reply within hours.

If you can get here by next week, Wednesday, we will have our whole team meet with you and come up with a plan and get you right in, McCullough recalled. Two days later, they were en route to Arizona.

At City of Hope, her treatment developed in Alaska was confirmed. A single facility for all appointments relieved her from location-based challenges in Alaska. Treatment commenced shortly, involving a six-month chemotherapy regimen.

McCullough managed initial treatments smoothly. The latter half was harder but she persevered, recognizing her cancer battle was a larger fight than her prior modeling preparations.

An Encouraging Outcome

In March, McCullough completed chemotherapy, marking a major achievement. Subsequently, a double mastectomy was performed in April as a preventive measure. Although further treatments were possible, May brought joyous news: McCullough was declared cancer-free.

It was the best news, McCullough expressed.

With recovery on track, she began reconstructive surgery and returned to Alaska by June. Her son’s birthday was a celebrated family reunion. Spending time with loved ones remains her priority, but McCullough also plans to embrace fitness and revisit her runway career.

I do see glimmers of fashion shows and pageantry again in my future! she stated enthusiastically. These pursuits keep me fit and provide an opportunity to inspire others.