Be the Difference Foundation - pgs

Posing for a Purpose

By Helen Bowles

Be the Difference Foundation hosted their annual Runway for Hope event and Brighter magazine was there to see the fashion and support the cause.

Left to right: Jon Friedenberg, and Deborah Montonen of Mary Crowley Cancer Research, Sheryl Yonack, Julie Shrell, Jill Bach, Dr. Lisa Genecov of Be the Difference Foundation

Benefiting Mary Crowley Cancer Research

It was cold and windy outside, but the women bustling around the room were all dressed as though they were in the South Pacific. Beautiful flowing dresses in colorful florals, off-the-shoulder ruffles and fun straw hats. Every lady, uniquely dressed, shared one common trait.

Final preparations were made, and hair and makeup specialists admired their work while they cleaned. A buzz of excitement and nervousness filled the room.

Moments later, in the other room, the Master of Ceremonies welcomed each woman individually to the room. As each model waltzed into the room, the attendees applauded not only their beauty, but also the stories of the dazzling women. The models made one round in vacation and summer fashions and another in evening wear, each representing a range of ages and aesthetics. As they strutted down the catwalk sporting stunning outfits, they also wore the title of ovarian cancer survivor. These women gathered on this day to feature the latest fashion while advocating for ovarian cancer and raising funds for research.

Be the Difference Foundation raises funds to benefit Mary Crowley Cancer Research at their Runway for Hope event each year. All participants from hair and makeup volunteered their time and skills, and the wardrobe was generously donated by Nordstrom. The beneficiary, Mary Crowley Cancer Research, works to expand treatment options for all cancer patients through various investigational clinical trials. Brighter Magazine was honored to be a media sponsor, and, for the sake of honesty, I must admit that I sprinted to purchase one of the lovely outfits from the show.