Local cancer warriors set to take stage at Runway of Hope
Special to the Leader-Press
Four local cancer survivors – and thrivers – are set to take to the runway on Saturday, March 8, for the 7th annual Runway of Hope, held by Pink Warrior Angels. This year's theme is Masquerade Gala: unmasking stories of hope and resilience.
Melanie J Harrell, Libby Kimball, Crystal Owens, and Wendy Holloway, all of Copperas Cove, will be sharing their stories of survivorship and hope. Amber Gorman will be remembered and honored at the event.
Runway of Hope is being held by the Copperas Cove-based nonprofit at the Knoxville Ranch Wedding and Event Venue, located at 4899 Leroy Pkwy. Just north of Waco in West, TX. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner and the runway show to follow at 7 p.m.
This show features 25 cancer survivors to include men, women, and children who will walk the runway to showcase their individual stories to raise funds for financial grants for those in cancer treatments.
The survivors hail from all over the U.S. and will participate in a three-day mini-retreat to heal through the emotional trauma that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Their retreat ends with a day of pampering and glam to walk the runway on Saturday evening to share their stories of resilience and hope.
The 25 models were selected through an application process and live across the US. Sixteen women, three men, and three children will walk the runway in recognition of a variety of cancers including kidney, ovarian, colon, head and neck, brain, metastatic breast, and pediatric cancer.
In addition to the runway show, PWA is offering silent auction items and raffle giveaways available for bidding now and a live auction on the night of the event featuring family trips like a two-night stay at the Kalahari Water Park Resort in Round Rock.
This auction item includes their 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom living room suite and admission for five to the park.
The organization hopes to raise $75,000 in funding that will allow it to double its current financial grant amounts.
As a primary fundraising effort for PWA, The Runway of Hope will provide funding for financial grants provided to cancer warriors in the state of Texas who need help with monthly bills like their mortgage, car payment, utilities, or even groceries and gas cards.
“We’re a small organization and one of the few that do not discriminate for helping with financial grants based on income levels. We get referrals from the big cancer non-profits all the time, and this past year we’ve been averaging over $25,000 in financial aid requests each month,” said Julie Moser, PWA Executive Director and 2-time breast cancer thriver.
“We don’t have a budget that allows that kind of assistance so we’re left to decide what we can offer that provides the most positive impact for our cancer warriors. Runway of Hope is crucial to helping us meet our mission.”
In 2024, PWA was able to award $58,000 in grants and assistance to cancer patients.
Runway coach and former professional model, Lolita Frazier of Strut Talk Runway Therapy Services uses her program with numerous organizations and individuals. She’s helped others heal from the loss of loved ones, cancer diagnosis, and the devastating effects of traumatic experiences.
Frazier is proud of each model and excited about this event.
“I work individually with each model to show them how to strut down the runway in a way that represents their personalities and stories. You will laugh and cry and cheer with excitement while watching each of them.”
Rhayne Thomas is traveling back to Texas to be in attendance not only as a survivor but as a co-survivor as her husband is a colon cancer survivor.
“We are so excited to welcome Rhayne for the 5th time to Texas for the Runway of Hope,” says Moser. “She embodies that spunky, fun, spirit we wanted in model coordinator. She will also be helping us honor those Alumni we lost last year all within 10 days of each other. Savanah Reynoso, Kim Angell, Shelia Johnson, and Amber Gorman.”
Robin and Butch Mogarvero, owners of Knoxville Ranch Wedding and Event Venue are looking forward to hosting the event for the third year.
“We are excited to host PWA again this year as the property allows for big events, that can accommodate their cancer survivors to help with the cost of putting on the show. Living with cancer is just not what anyone has ever planned for. Giving back to assist this wonderful nonprofit is key to community unity,” said Robin.
Tickets are available until Monday, Feb. 24 for the in-person dinner. Virtual tickets to watch online can be purchased till midnight CST on March 8, at https://pinkwarriorangels.org/runway-of-hope/.