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Community Corner

Mission Viejo Cancer Survivors to Walk the Runway in St. Joseph Hospital's Circles of Life Fashion Show

More than 850 guests will attend St. Joseph Hospital’s annual Circles of Life Fashion Show and Luncheon – and although the 25 models will be sporting the latest trends, this isn’t your typical fashion crowd.

Each model has recently overcome, or is still overcoming, a brave and inspirational journey through cancer – and Sunday is their day to shine.

Elaine Thompson, 69, and Linda Buck, 55, of Mission Viejo will both be celebrating their individual survival stories. Thompson was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer in 2010.

“From the moment I met with my team (at St. Joseph Hospital) I knew I was in good hands and was going to beat this disease,” Thompson said.

Buck, an oncology nurse, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011 and said it was difficult to realize just how sick she really was. “I now share precious moments with my patients since returning to work bald,” Buck said. “They trust me because I understand. I count it an amazing privilege to have walked in their shoes.”

Two years later and cancer-free, Thompson and Buck will strut down the runway to raise money for The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at St. Joseph Hospital. The Center is the first-of-its-kind in Orange County and one of only a few in the nation offering the latest in preventative care, diagnostics, treatment and clinical trials.

Now in its 17th year, the Circles of Life Fashion Show and Luncheon has raised more than $1.1 million. This year’s show, themed “Triumph,” will be held at the Hilton Anaheim Sunday, June 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The fashion show will begin at 1:15 p.m.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognize some of the amazing stories of survival from the patients we see at the Center every day,” said Jay Harness, MD, St. Joseph Hospital general and breast surgeon and chair of the fashion show. “These models are an inspiration to us all and provide much needed hope to everyone who has been affected by cancer.”
 
Although the fashion and fundraising make for an entertaining event, models agree that one of the most rewarding parts of the day is being able to show their loved ones – who saw them through their worst – what they look like at their best. For more information about the Circles of Life Fashion Show visit www.sjo.org/2013fashionshow. Tickets are available through Wednesday, June 5.

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