After surviving breast cancer, Ella Ebanks says there are certain things she values more now.
“I appreciate my body, beauty, hair and health even more,” Ebanks said Saturday during the Breast Cancer Foundation’s first-ever ‘Beyond the Scar’ fashion show.
She was one of 10 women and breast cancer survivors who celebrated their beauty, courage and resilience on the catwalk in the Hotel Indigo ballroom on Saturday night, 18 May.
The first official event since the hotel’s opening, the fashion show elevated cancer survivors, thrivers and warriors, who walked a pink and white runway as the evening’s featured models. The aim was to empower the cancer community through fashion and to embrace a journey that traverses beyond the physical and emotional scars of cancer.
Attendees were wowed and some moved to tears as each woman introduced herself via video recording and shared her story, before making her way down the runway. Each model repeated a variation of affirming words, “I am a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, grandmother, granddaughter, a survivor, thriver … I am”.
With hips swaying, smiles and fierce strides, the models donned the latest resort, casual and evening wear from local designers Isy B, Red Sail Sports, and Norma Ebanks Creative Fashion Design, as well as Erika d’Alessio, while being cheered on by friends, family and supporters.
During the show, current Miss Universe Cayman Islands Ileann Powery made a surprise appearance as a supporter of the foundation and the niece of survivor Ella Ebanks. Ebanks, who was diagnosed with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer in December 2021, did not have to undergo surgery, but she continues targeted treatments to keep tumors undetectable.
Ebanks said, “breast cancer has made me realise that I’m much stronger than I thought I was, and that you should enjoy life to the fullest one day at a time, slow down and count your blessings each day.”
During her remarks, the show’s curator, Isy B said, “this is maybe the best runway experience … the aim of the event is very much in alignment with my purpose [and the Isy B brand], and I’m excited to play a part in helping these courageous women feel beautiful, feminine and unstoppable.”
She added, “It’s been a moving experience to work with our models to create a runway that showcases their strength, vitality and sense of fun, despite the challenges they face.”
The show also featured pop-up shops in the ballroom and a video greeting from Italian-American reporter and TV personality Giuliana Rancic, a cancer survivor and an avid supporter of the foundation.
‘No challenge is surmountable’
Beverly Edgington, the foundation’s chief administrator, shared the message that beauty and strength shine from within.
“[The women] remind us that when we reunite, we can create something truly beautiful and impactful,” she said.
Edgington, reminded attendees that while the show is “a celebration of life, courage and hope”, it is also to educate people on the importance of early detection, “and the critical role that education and awareness play in saving lives”.
“Breast cancer affects millions of women and men worldwide, and it is our collective responsibility to support research, promote regular screenings and offer our unwavering support to those affected,” she added.
Edgington thanked all those who made the show possible, including show curator Isy B and Pam Laurenson, the visionary behind the show and also a breast cancer survivor. She also acknowledged Sophie Conolly, the trainer for the models, and stylist Lauren Sonnen.
‘A dream come true’
The women were all newcomers to the fashion runway. Breast cancer survivor and model Tara Rooney told the Compass that it was a dream come true to walk in the show.
“It was absolutely fantastic. This was my very first time,” she said. “When I was a teenager, it was something I wanted to do but because I’m too short … it just wasn’t going to work, so I’m very happy to do this.”
Survivor and model Norma Richards told the Compass that she hoped her presence on stage would open eyes and show that people can live normal lives after breast cancer.
“When I stepped out on stage, it [was] a new world, and an experience to remember … I felt like a star; I am a star,” she said.
The show ended with a standing ovation from all organisers, and models walking down the runway to the song ‘I’m Every Woman’ playing in the background.
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