On the airy thirty-third story of a State Street skyscraper, an array of makeup is spread before Elizabeth Grady students and graduates as they ready their models for the catwalk. Stepping across the dark, wooden floor of the conference room overlooking Fanueil Hall, models and designers flip through the show’s clothing rack as straight-irons and idle chit chat clack from the corner near the door. By the floor-length window, the EG makeup artists put the finishing touches on their models. As you stand amidst the chaos of pre-show preparations, you notice that the models appear stronger than most. They are not your stereotypical size two, twenty-something-year-old runway goddesses and yet they are some of the most beautiful and courageous women that have ever walked the runway.
This was the fourth annual Boston Medical Center’s Catwalk for Cancer Care. Organized by OpenHearts Boston, the event raises money for cancer patient support services: The 2015 Catwalk alone generated approximately $280,000 in donations.
Former Olympic skater and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton, reporter Janet Wu, and “Dining Playbook’s” Jenny Johnson were in attendance; however, cancer survivors were the stars of the show.
The 15 cancer survivors were chosen for the show by a committee organized by the Boston Medical Center. From my position behind the camera, they seemed to be radiating an infectious warmth and happiness.
Here is Wayne’s story, one amazing survivor: Catwalk for Cancer Care: Wayne
And the gorgeous Jill’s story: “Melrosian Set to Hit the Catwalk”
The teams of makeup artists (shout out to EG!), hair stylists and event coordinators were behind the survivors every step of the way.
The end result? Courageous women and men inspiring others to help patients battle cancer and win. And they are all the more beautiful for it.
For more information about OpenHearts Boston, or to donate, please visit openheartsinc.org.
For more information about Boston Medical Center’s Cancer Care, please visit www.bmc.org