Cancer survivors celebrated at fashion show in Pebble Beach
By Erin Clark
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MONTEREY, California (KSBW) — The American Cancer Society’s Monterey fashion show at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach celebrated cancer survivors, raising money for research and patient support while providing a day of beauty and emotional reprieve.
Behind the scenes, all the models receiving glamorous makeovers were cancer survivors, with the day dedicated to making them feel beautiful.
“I think it’s really a special occasion to celebrate people, celebrate their accomplishments in overcoming and making it through to the other side,” one participant said.
The event also offered a break from the fear and anxiety that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Razya, a breast cancer survivor, shared her experience.
“For me, I had to try and push the fear away, meditative breathing, and I leaned into my faith because it was consuming me to the point where I’d be shaking. Trying to care for my daughter, and I thought, I have to get hold of myself. I have to be strong,” Razya said.
Abby Taylor-Silva, a colon cancer survivor, reflected on her journey and highlighted the importance of routine screenings.
“I had stage three, pretty advanced colon cancer when they found it. So many times we push off those routine doctors’ visits, and I think my story is a good example of why we need to do it, we need to get our screening done to make sure we’re OK because without that blood work I never would have known,” Taylor-Silva said.
Both Razya and Taylor-Silva are now cancer-free, but many attendees are still in the fight. This year’s theme, “Old Hollywood,” featured hats and fascinators designed by Kathleen Kelley, who donated her time and talent to the event.
“Making the hats is joyous work, and it’s joyful work to be here supporting this lovely group of ladies and men who have been overcoming terrific challenges. I’m in awe of their courage,” Kelley said.
After weeks of preparation, the show began, with cancer survivors taking the stage as superstars, sharing their stories and supporting one another.
This fashion show, originally conceived by friends over 30 years ago, has grown significantly while staying true to its roots.
“Shows like this, it’s like a golden star. It makes them so happy and so excited. It gives them a day of forgetting what they are going through,” one organizer said.
Though the event has expanded to raise money and awareness, its core mission remains unchanged: friends showing up to support friends.
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