From hospital gowns pacing the hallway to the hottest trends strutting on the runway, cancer survivors displayed renewed confidence at the second annual Cattle Baron’s Ball Style Show.
The fashion show was sponsored by Prime Outlets, Bath Junkie and Kathy Morris in support of the American Cancer Society. Members of Fashion Merchandising Association also joined cancer survivors producing the show and modeling fashions generously donated by Banana Republic, Calli’s Sassy Boutique, Centerpoint Station, Saks Off Fifth Avenue and Two P’s Unique Boutique. Mink Salon also contributed hair and makeup experts, offering the cancer survivors a day of glamour.
The room was buzzing with excitement as survivors, friends of survivors, fashion gurus and audience members filled the room. The music started, the lights dimmed and the show began.
One of the participating models was cancer survivor LeAnne Smith, director of dance in the department of theatre and dance. She stole the show, offering a personal testimony of her battle and survival with cancer.
“It was an honor to be asked (to participate) and a privilege,” Smith said. “I think (the show) was a way of saying I’m surviving and I’m thriving. Cancer can be terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world.”
Smith shared the highs and lows of cancer. She described how cancer had taken her hair, her breasts and five years of her life, but it gave her a divine sense of life and what she sees as truly important.
“I found gifts in something terrible like cancer,” Smith said. “You can choose to be happy, or choose to let it destroy you.”
Smith said she is certainly not destroyed.
“It was great to share with the other survivors who could relate and share with what you have been through,” Smith said. “We were so worried about living, and there we were, having a blast.”
Smith praised the American Cancer Society for their help during a troubling time.
“After my surgery, someone from ACS brought me a heart-shaped pillow for my seatbelt so driving was safe and not painful,” Smith said. “People come out of the woodworks to help you. It is very humbling. This is a way to say ‘thank you.’”
Smith spoke about her new outlook on life and how it has applied to her career and relations with students at Texas State.
“I was open with my students after being diagnosed. I had their love and support,” Smith said. “Because of my illness, I see things from my student’s point of view. I try to be more helpful and empathetic. I see now that everyone has a story and needs someone to listen.”
Smith described her fellow faculty members as a family, but said family does not quite do them justice. Every person who came in contact with her exchanged a smile, warm embraces and caring words.
“I love my job. It is phenomenal to do what I do every day,” Smith said. “I would do it for free. I am rich in all of the ways that count.”
Caroline Johnson, fashion merchandising senior, participated as a model in the style show. Johnson said Smith has truly left her mark on others.
“(Smith’s) testimony was powerful, inspiring and encouraging,” Johnson said. “She is a courageous woman who fought cancer and is a true survivor.”
Sarah Hadley, fashion merchandising sophomore helped with the show and felt it was a success.
“We love having the opportunity to volunteer our time with such a worthy organization,” Hadley said. “At the same time, we get to use our fashion knowledge to help the style show, model the clothes and help facilitate a fashion show, all for a great cause.”
Hadley said the cancer survivors and Fashion Merchandising Association look forward to participating in the style show in the future.
“We will definitely be back to help with the next show,” Hadley said. “Every year, it will get bigger and better.”