Fashion For the Cure Recap!

November 5, 2010 by Brooke Obie 3 comments

On September 25, I emceed my first D.C. charity fundraiser: Fashion for the Cure. This annual fashion show was founded by three sisters: Kimberly, Kendra, and Krystal Speed, in honor of their beautiful mother, soror Nancy Speed, who passed away after a brave, 10-year battle with breast cancer five years ago.

DC District Diva Hosting

Dubbed “A Night in Paradise,” the fashion show featured models wearing styles from DMV designer Renita Elmore, South Moon, and Lord & Taylor, integrated into the unique and diverse works of art at the Arlington Art Center. Each model showcased a characteristic of a Breast Cancer survivor.

In addition to fashion, the evening featured a live performance, a silent auction, and refreshments. Between ticket sales for the event and the silent auction, we raised nearly $2,300 for breast cancer research, and hopefully raised awareness, as well, since:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women, exceeded only by lung cancer. In 2009, an estimated 19,540 new cases of breast cancer and 6,020 deaths were expected to occur among African American women [6]. Although breast cancer incidence is lower among African American women, they have a 38 percent higher breast cancer death rate than Caucasian women [5]. Breast cancer survival in African American women has increased in recent decades. However, survival rates among African American women remain lower than among Caucasian women. From 1999-2005 the five-year survival rate for breast cancer among African-American women was 79 percent compared to 91 percent among Caucasian women [5]. There are many possible reasons for this difference in survival. Biologic and genetic differences in tumors, the presence of risk factors, barriers to health care access, health behaviors and later stage of disease at diagnosis may all play a role. It is important to know that mammography increases the chance that breast cancer will be found at the earliest, most treatable stages. Annual mammography screening and effective treatment offer the best chance for decreasing mortality and improving survival. For more on African American ethnicity and breast cancer, visit the Risk Factors and Prevention and Early Detection and Screening sections. [Susan G. Komen Foundation]

Learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, read this write up on the event in the Washington Post, check out the pictures below, and prepare for Fashion for the Cure next October!