Sept. 28--Deb Lewis will model an animal print top beneath a flowing, pumpkin-colored cardigan in the American Cancer Society's "Survivor Runway" fall fashion show.
Wearing matching brown slacks, the West Hazleton cancer survivor looked good -- and said she was feeling great.
Lewis said she wanted to model in the show to send a message.
"It's to let people know that you can have a life after cancer," she explained. "You can be glamorous and beautiful all over again."
Lewis is one of 30 models set to walk the runway during the show, Oct. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Boscov's in the Laurel Mall. Some are battling cancer. Others, like Lewis, are finished with their treatments.
For Lewis, it was stage IV head and neck cancer that presented itself as a swollen gland last year. Lewis had surgery to remove a tumor, veins, muscles and 36 lymph glands, followed by months of radiation and chemotherapy.
In a way, she feels ecstatic now, given that she has the opportunity to live what she called "a second life."
Chris Radtke, co-chairwoman of the Relay for Life who developed the idea for Survivor Runway last year, said the emphasis is on hope.
"These (models) all have hope. We really try to show the community that cancer is not a death sentence. There is life after this," she said.
Proceeds will benefit cancer research and the local Look Good, Feel Better program that provides wigs, beauty kits and techniques to cancer patients to help them with appearance-related effects of cancer treatment.
Kim Gormley, manager of the local Boscov's, said the store was the site for the inaugural show in 2010.
"We're proud to be hosting it again," Gormley said. "We are happy we can open our doors, invite people in, offer support and show them that you do survive," she said. "Part of the battle is keeping your spirit -- and your appearance is a big part of that."
"Absolutely, because if you look good, you feel better," Lewis added.
The show will be held in memory of Shirley (Boscov) Holzman, sister of store founder Al Boscov.
Gormley noted that Boscov's associates are fitting the models in latest fashions and will do makeup on the day of the show. Boscov's is donating the use of its auditorium and Boscov Family Restaurant, where tea and dessert will be served. Both locations will be decorated in a "sea of pink," Radtke said.
In addition, models will have their hair styled at the Hair Cellar in Hazleton Heights.
Theresa Shott, of Tresckow, will return as a model. Shott, who was treated for colon cancer in 1998, wanted to give back to the American Cancer Society.
"They are a very good organization. They did help me out a lot. The people are very nice," she said. "There's so much cancer out there and it's a very worthwhile organization to help out in any way."
Seating for the show is limited and tickets are expected to go fast. Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at Boscov's Courtesy Desk at the Laurel Mall, 570-455-9561; Hair Cellar, Muir Avenue, 570-455-3429, or by calling 570-582-4905.
jwhalen@standardspeaker.com
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