Melton Brown
On April 17 Saint Xavier University’s Visual Arts Center will host a fashion show to raise cancer awareness.
This event will benefit the charity “Crusade for Chris,” according to Malcolm Lee, one of the event’s program developers.
“Chris [Ellis] is a 5-year-old who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma (brain cancer). By the time he showed symptoms, the cancer had already spread throughout his body. The purpose of this event is to raise donations for this charity and provide funds [that] will assist Chris and his family with the hospital and living expenses during this rough and challenging time,” Lee said.
The event, officially titled “Walk the Runway: Cancer Awareness Fashion Show,” is being arranged by Lee and a planning committee.
This committee consists of Lee and five other members—Adewumi Adegoke, Ashley Willies, Melton Brown, Dominique Joly, and Danielle Mountain.
“I chose individuals who were dedicated and had a strong passion for helping others by using the knowledge and skills acquired from their major and studies at Saint Xavier to be of the best professional assistance in executing this program,” Lee said.
In addition to this committee, Lee says there is also a group of models who will be participating. The models walking in the show are representatives of friends, family, and other individuals who have been affected by the challenges of cancer.
Although this is the first year that the “Walk the Runway” event will be held, Lee is anticipating at least 60 participants and attendees. He says he chose the theme of cancer awareness because of personal experiences with friends and family members.
“My goal is to become a surgical oncologist and cancer specialist that diagnoses and treats patients who deal with the adversities of cancer upon their health. Helping others is my passion and knowing that this will benefit someone who shares a relatable experience is what inspires me to put together this show,” Lee said.
Lee also found inspiration for “Walk the Runway” in the experiences he had during his early years in college.
“During my freshman and sophomore years of college, I attended various photo shoots and fashion shows involving charity. I wanted to bring my experiences that I received when I attended school [in] downtown Chicago at Robert Morris University and collaborated with Columbia, DePaul, and Roosevelt University. Besides medical school, philanthropy and charity have always been [two] of my aspirations. Giving to others can have a strong impact on raising awareness. The fashion show is one unique way in which this goal can be achieved,” Lee said.
Melton Brown, the event’s marketing and advertising coordinator, says that he hopes the show is a success and that the tradition will be carried down throughout the years at Saint Xavier. This is the hope of Lee as well.
“I pray [that] the outcome of the show is that people are much more aware of the medical issues like cancer and become more passionate to help someone in need. I pray that it is a success, and by success, I mean that there is a packed house and that we bless the Ellis family with such a big financial burden that they are [as] shocked as we will be,” Brown said.
“Walk the Runway” is being sponsored by the Art Club and the Mercy Students for Peace and Justice with the help of the Students Activity Fund. Lee’s goals include empowering others, motivating others to overcome obstacles, and celebrating the festiveness and fun via the arts, media, and production.
A minimum donation of $10 is required to enter the show. Attendees can purchase tickets either at the door or in advance in the Office of Campus Life. The event will be held at the VAC, located at 10345 S. Spaulding Avenue, and will begin at 5:30pm.
Even if you cannot attend the event, donations for the Ellis family can still be made.
Brown said, “I want the students of SXU to know that whether they are a part of it or just show up to the event that they will enjoy themselves and leave the event knowing that they have done something good for someone that needs it!”
Katie Arvia
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