Azlin (centre) receiving a token of appreciation from the organisers. With her are (from left) Mahani, Dr Saunthari, Oh and Chai. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Women cancer warriors take spotlight at inspiring fashion show in KL
NEARLY 100 women living with or recovering from cancer took to the runway at the “Dreams Stage Show”, celebrating their resilience as “cancer warrior queens”.
Some strutted confidently along the runway, while others walked carefully or supported by a cane, but they all shared something in common – they were enjoying their time in the spotlight.
The event was organised by Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam), Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) and non-governmental organisation Tong Xin Shan Yuan Welfare Association.
It was held in collaboration with National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to benefit its Pink Unity peer support group.
The group is run by women cancer survivors for the benefit of other women cancer patients and survivors.
“The fashion show celebrates these brave women’s resilience and courage, as they learn how to manage their diagnosis,” said Tong Xin Shan Yuan vice-president Roy Pheh.
“The event allows them to have a moment of happiness as a ‘queen for a day’ as they enjoy their time in the spotlight as well as the pampering in the lead-up to the catwalk,” he added.
For their moment in the spotlight, the women received full makeovers, including professional styling with makeup, wigs and outfits, as well as personal coaching on stage presence.
“We were fortunate to receive over RM2mil sponsorship in kind for the event, including products and event hall,” Pheh said of the event that was pulled off in less than two months.
Fong, showing off a pantsuit with matching handbag from Lady B.
“We were assisted by over 150 volunteers who helped with hair and makeup services, catwalk training and other behind-the-scenes arrangements.”
Pheh added that 96 women aged between 35 and 85 took to the catwalk.
While the majority were diagnosed with breast cancer, others had leukaemia, lymphoma or cancer of the colon, ovaries or thyroid glands.
The show held at Confetti KL in Mines 2, Seri Kembangan in Selangor, saw some 800 attendees comprising friends and families of participants as well as corporate and community leaders.
It featured outfits by seven local designers as well as students from Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Faculty of Art and Design.
Guest-of-honour Datin Seri Azlin Hezri, wife of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said it was inspiring to hear the women’s journeys and see them shine on stage – even as some fought to walk through their pain.
Also present at the event were MCAH president Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai, Pink Unity president Mahani Kassim, NCSM president Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, Pemadam’s Women, Family and Cure Bureau chairman Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar, Gaga Hair chief operating officer Friday Chua, Tong Xin Shan Yuan president Niko Kenz Ho and event organising chairman Sheila Oh.
Among the cancer survivors who participated were Vimala Thevi Ganesan and Susan Fong.
Vimala Thevi, a two-time breast cancer survivor, said she was honoured to be selected as a participant.
“The organisers were kind enough to give us a stage to be ‘queens for a day’ and the sponsors were kind enough to sponsor or loan us shoes and clothes,” she said.
“It was great to be pampered throughout the event from the rehearsals to fitting sessions to hair and makeup styling,” she added.
Vimala Thevi, a two-time breast cancer survivor, striking a pose in a shiny design by Gilbert Headhunter.
The 46-year-old legal secretary, who wore a shiny creation by Gilbert Headhunter, said she was excited about making the designer proud by showcasing his work on the runway.
The mother-of-two also said she personally encouraged family and friends to go for cancer screenings.
Vimala Thevi’s mother died after her third cancer diagnosis, while her now teenage son had leukaemia at the age of five.
Fong, who has participated in a few similar charity fashion shows, said “Dreams Stage Show” was her biggest to date based on the number of participants.
“I wore an all-white ensemble, including a pantsuit with matching handbag by Lady B, paired with open-toed heels,” she said, adding that she was lucky enough to be able to take everything home after the event.
“I make an effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to stay active ever since my breast cancer diagnosis 14 years ago,” said Fong.
“I’m also a volunteer and dance performer at Pink Unity,” she said.
The 64-year-old also does artwork on jute bags and T-shirts, with proceeds from their sales channelled back to charity.
She first picked up art as part of her therapy and did charity work as her way of giving back to society.
