By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Paula Flesher, executive director of the Cancer Council of Ellis County, describes the 19th annual Day of Caring runway fashion show for cancer survivors as a symbol of beating cancer.

Flesher said most models, all breast cancer survivors, begin the runway walk in front of hundreds of people with some anxiety and fear, but end the walk feeling empowered.

“It is emotional, that they went through it, they did something they thought they would never do before and they made it,” she said. “So it is like saying, ‘Yes, I can do it.’ ”

Flesher said the annual Day of Caring is an educational event and a source of support for cancer survivors and anyone affected by the disease, noting everyone is touched by cancer in some way.

The 21 models in the fashion show will receive “pampering” and makeovers before the show and walk the runway with clothes donated by local businesses.

The event is scheduled for Oct. 4 at Fort Hays State’s Memorial Union and begins at 9 a.m. with display booths followed by a brunch at 10 a.m.

Ashley Bauch, nurse navigator at HaysMed Breast Care Center, will be the guest speaker before the runway fashion show begins at 11 a.m.

Flesher said this year’s theme is “Power of Pink,” chosen by Day of Caring co-chairs, Janet Pfannenstiel and Judy Stegman – both breast cancer survivors.

Flesher said they chose the theme to reflect the “power words,” such as “hope” and “faith” that come from within each cancer survivor as they battle the disease.

Tickets are $18 and are available until Monday.

Tickets can be bought at the Cancer Council of Ellis County, Mam’Zelles, FHSU Student Service Center, Hair Repair, HaysMed Breast Care Center, Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, Walgreens, LaVonne’s Beauty Shop in WaKeeney, and Arthur’s Pizza in Ellis.