For the past year, i’ve been so lucky to be part of a weekly Breast Cancer Support Group. We meet online every Monday evening and share the ups and downs of this journey of cancer survivorship.
This Spring our facilitator encouraged a few of us to participate in a fundraising effort for breast cancer. We were all nearing the end of our “active treatment” phase (chemo, surgery, radiation) though many of us have 5-10 years more of cancer related medications and procedures to look forward to.
The fundraiser is for an organization called To Celebrate Life, and it provides funding to Bay Area nonprofits which provide emergency & financial assistance and direct services for underserved patients struggling with breast cancer.
The event itself is called Stepping Out*, and it’s a fashion show in which the models are all recent breast cancer survivors. I thought, “sure, that sounds like something I’d like to be part of.”
Little did I know what I’d be getting in to! This is a months-long annual effort, powered by so many dedicated volunteers, the majority of whom are breast cancer survivors themselves and former “models” for this very event. And this is the 30th anniversary of the event.
Last weekend we gathered for six hours of training on runway-walking. This weekend is another six hours, and next weekend is the dress rehearsal and the main event. We’ve discussed turns and poses and shoes and timing and staying right and doubles and chevrons….
It’s been so fun, and so life-affirming. Yes, because [as our Model Coach Lisa says] we are practicing being embodied… walking confidently, shoulders back, broad smiles on faces.
But it’s not just that. I’m drawn to these women. We’re sharing laughs at eager rose tossing. We’re appreciating each other’s newly grown chemo hair. We are helping each other walk faster or slow down (ok, that’s me- and thanks, Geri!). We are feeling the levity in the room. There is only positivity.
As I’m learning, it’s another version of the Joy that keeps showing up when I look for it. I’m so grateful for these women and for the opportunity to take a risk outside my comfort zone.
Stay tuned for Fashion Show photos after next week’s event; in the meantime enjoy our rehearsal pics!
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* I had so much support from my friends and family along the way. I get teary just thinking about it. I can’t imagine enduring this past year without the meals, notes, errands, visits, gifts, and… the list goes on. But many women don’t have the same support, for a variety of reasons. If you’d like to support this effort for those who need assistance please check out my fundraising page. Proceeds from my fundraiser as well as the Stepping Out event go directly to Bay Area nonprofits serving women with breast cancer. Thank you!
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=mbcc&id=102&cfifid=175
Peeking out from “backstage”
Someone may have tossed a rose too early
Tricky; a double meets a chevron
“Do we stop halfway?” The eternal question.
Methinks Zoe has done this before. #pro
I haven’t met a chevron I didn’t love.
Another chevron! Woot!
Supporting each other.
Where are the Tall Gals?
Getting ready for the super fancy double turn.
Last instructions before the full run-through.