Omaha Fashion Week Show Empowers Survivors

OMAHA – Walking a runway in the hottest fashion trends can be a bit unnerving. But when you’ve beaten cancer or on your way to doing so – it’s a piece of cake!

On Wednesday, March 11, nearly 100 models – all at varying stages in their cancer journey – will take to the runway as part of the annual Cancer Survivor Style Show held in conjunction with Omaha Fashion Week.

Models of all shapes, sizes, ages, and gender will be modeling the latest fashion trends from Atomic Bombshells, All About Me, Bliss Boutique, Chicos, Christian Nobel, Christopher and Banks, The Garment District, Gramer City, Katinas, McLovin, Mesh, Old Navy, Paperdoll Vintage, Posh Princess, Post and Nickel, Skyz, and Younkers.

“We simply love being a part of this event every year,” said Lori Fuchs, clinical cosmetologist and director of Inner Beauty, a salon for cancer survivors at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center. “This night is so empowering for our survivors. Some have beaten cancer or in the midst of treatment, but to walk that runway in front of friends and family can be a very victorious and emotional moment. It’s a night to celebrate their journey – their survivorship.”

For the first time since the show’s inception, children will also be part of the night’s festivities. Fuchs and her Inner Beauty team have 16 models from Children’s Hospital & Medical Center who are also cancer survivors. These models will range in age from 12 months to those in their teens. This marks the fourth year Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center has sponsored the cancer survivor style show.

“We know cancer can impact people of all ages, races and it certainly doesn’t favor men or women,” Fuchs said. “Along with the wonderful children we have participating we will again have a few male models joining the lineup.”

Models will have their hair and make-up done by students at Xenon Beauty School and other volunteer cosmetologist Wednesday afternoon. Runway practice is also on the agenda with the show starting at 8 p.m.

For the second year in a row Omaha Fashion Week will be held at Omar Arts & Events in Omaha.