Young survivors and their siblings rock the runway

Fall colors and fun, stylish designer clothing were on view at the ninth annual Back to School Fashion Show at the Houston Galleria in August.

MD Anderson patients and their siblings joined Page Parkes models on the runway, styling the latest fashions. Emcee Courtney Zavala, co-host of KPRC-TV’s “Houston Life,” provided commentary as models paraded down the runway wearing trendy looks from Athleta, Buckle, Francesca’s, GAP, Macy’s, Tillys, Vera Bradley and Zara. The Galleria surprised each MD Anderson model with a generous gift card toward an outfit of their choice.

Richard Gorlick, M.D., division head and chair of MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, and Valerae Lewis, M.D., chair of Orthopaedic Oncology, were among MD Anderson faculty and staff who joined the crowd in cheering on young cancer patients and their siblings as they took over the runway. Children treated at MD Anderson for genetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis and multiple hereditary exostoses, also participated in this year’s show.

“In addition to comprehensive medical care, we have programs such as our on-site school, which helps patients continue their education and transition into home schools after treatment,” says Wykesha Hayes, Ph.D., coordinator of MD Anderson’s Pediatric Education and Creative Arts Program. “The fashion show not only builds our patients’ confidence during a difficult time in their lives but also provides an outlet to just have fun.”