“Words can’t describe the emotions. The moment my daughter was on the runway, she shined and felt so special. It left a lasting impression on my heart as well as hers!”

— Mother of a child with cancer, age 4

Our Mission

Runway Heroes is a non-profit organization that creates fashion experiences for children with cancer in collaboration with leaders in the fashion industry. We focus on providing a confidence-boosting experience that gives children the best chance to overcome their illness without missing out on their childhood.

All funds raised support clinical trials in hopes of developing more curative treatments for childhood cancer.

Childhood Cancer by Numbers

In the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other childhood disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined. Childhood cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children in the U.S. We continue to challenge the status quo of outdated childhood cancer treatments by funding research, while also maintaining a strong focus on giving our heroes and their families the FULL STAR TREATMENT:

Our Team

Rachel Goldman, Ph.D., Founder

Rachel created Runway Heroes in 2014 in an effort to provide a confidence-boosting experience for children with cancer. Rachel has always been a fierce advocate for children with cancer and is dedicated to instilling aspects of childhood that are lost in the battle against cancer. Rachel has served as an executive board member of The Ronan Thompson Foundation since 2012 and has been a wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 2009. In addition to philanthropic endeavors, Rachel completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and specializes in child psychology and parenting interventions.

Jordan Shelley, Board Member

Jordan joined the Runway Heroes team to bring smiles to children with cancer. He uses his expertise in software and all things technology, to help the foundation run smoothly and efficiently. Jordan handles all the behind the scenes development and event day tech! On event days, he can be found making our heroes laugh and smile!

Kacie Friedman, Board Member

Kacie joined our team as the Director of Public Relations. She is passionate about using her expertise to give back and support children with cancer. Kacie works diligently behind the scenes to form long-lasting relationships with brands and incorporate sponsors in our mission. Kacie and Rachel are childhood friends working together to change the world of childhood cancer.

Maya Thompson, Board Member

Maya is forever committed to fighting cancer for kids as she lost her beautiful son, Ronan, to childhood cancer just days before his 4th birthday. Ronan inspired Rachel to start Runway Heroes years ago and Maya has turned her pain and grief into action through advocacy and awareness for childhood cancer. Maya is a co-author with Taylor Swift on a top hit song, Ronan, author of the blog Rockstar Ronan and is in the process of writing a book. In addition, she is mother to twin boys, Liam and Quinn and a sassy little girl, Poppy.