Dozens of models will take to the runway on Saturday to display the latest in fashions, while raising funds for those battling cancer. And, all the models will be cancer patients or survivors.
The annual MTB Hampton Roads Cancer Awareness Fashion Show is organized by Justin Pantophlet, who founded the MTB (More Than Boobs) Cancer Foundation five years ago when his brother-in-law died of lung cancer. “We put on events for people with all types of cancers,” he said. “Even if the name of the cancer is different, many of the struggles are the same.”
During the fashion show, each model walks out to a song of their choosing, while the audience hears their story of personal triumph. The evening includes a remembrance lighting ceremony and music by a local band.
Keisha O’Neal participated in the fashion show several years ago, shortly after she was diagnosed with stage 2 papillary thyroid cancer.
“My diagnosis was so new, that I ended up crying through part of the show,” the Brigadoon resident said. “It tends to be an emotional night, but it’s so very therapeutic.”
O’Neal was being treated for lingering pain as a result of a car accident when a MRI revealed the cause of her pain, and also a soft tissue mass. Now, as a cancer survivor, O’Neal said she tries to take more risks, and modeling in the fashion show is one way of doing that.
MTB Cancer Foundation fundraisers include the Cruising for Cancer pub crawl and Raise Your Voice karaoke contest. Donations provide assistance to cancer patients and survivors who lack necessities during treatment and recovery.
Pantophlet, an Oceanfront resident, begins planning the annual fashion show in August. A staff member at First Colonial High School, he encourages students to volunteer at the event.
“But on the evening of the show, I try to find a few minutes to just sit back and watch everyone smiling and enjoying the moment,” he said.
source:http://pilotonline.com/
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