Awareness is in fashion

Rock The Ribbon hopes to model inspiration

The Rock the Ribbon fashion show will benefit the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Rock the Ribbon is a local fashion show benefitting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation–Prairies/NWT Region. Founders and event organizers Meryl De Leon and Shayna Wiwierski created the event to raise awareness about breast cancer while featuring local fashion name Nygard.

“What we’re really trying to do is not just give a fashion show, but to inspire the guests who come that breast cancer really does affect people,” De Leon stated in a recent interview.

The event will feature a fashion show by Nygard, as the brand caters to both young and older generations through the Bianca Nygard collection. It will also feature breast cancer survivors as models who share their stories through a short video.

“When you add the element of breast cancer survivors telling their stories, you put a real face to this disease,” said Monique Levesque-Pharoah of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

De Leon and Wiwierski chose this organization because it touches the lives of many and is relatable to almost everyone.

“We wanted to make this show not just about fashion, but really about the foundation,” said Levesque-Pharoah. “The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. The Foundation–Prairies/NWT Region fulfills its mission by funding breast cancer research, community health projects and other initiatives across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories.”

Breast cancer affects people of all ages, both women and men, and it is important to take the proper precautions for your breast health.

“Being ‘breast aware’ is a fundamental step in surviving breast cancer,” Levesque-Pharoah said. “We know that early detection saves lives and being breast aware means you know how your breasts look and feel. This makes noting changes much easier. If you notice any changes, talk to your doctor right away. While most changes do not mean cancer, they do need to be checked.

“I personally feel this is an important fact for a younger audience to hear.”

The event will provide an entertaining and inspiring show and should have a different impact on each guest in attendance.

“They can expect a fun night out with eclectic music, where young people can ask their parents to go also. We find that a lot of people that are going are actually bringing their moms,” said De Leon. “It’s going to be a wake-up call for the younger crowd because you’re going to an event where it’s not just 20-somethings in attendance.”

Industry people will also be present with a diverse crowd, making this show an exciting way to benefit a great cause.

The event is being held on Friday, March 5 at the Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art at 286 McDermot Ave. in the Exchange District.

Published in Volume 64, Number 20 of The Uniter (February 25, 2010)

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