First Runway for Hope Celebrates Sisterhood and Raises $25,000

The inaugural New England Breast Cancer Alliance Runway for Hope made a powerful debut on April 29, 2023, at the Elks Lodge in Portland, creating what model Melanie Randall of Mount Vernon called an "instant sisterhood" among the 31 breast cancer survivors who took to the runway.

Founded in 2019 by Marisa Dolan Paraschak of Naples, the New England Breast Cancer Alliance aims to fund research and connect local survivors. "I am here because of the research that came before me, that led to the chemotherapy that worked for me," Paraschak explained. "But there are still many people for whom current treatments don't work."

The sold-out event drew 300 attendees and raised $25,000 for breast cancer research, with dozens of volunteers supporting the production including costume designers, seamstresses, and a "glam squad" of hair and makeup artists.

The fashion show featured two themes—"fantasy" and "fierce"—with survivors showcasing gowns inspired by everything from mermaids and Barbie to medieval warriors and Greek goddesses. Alicia Wilson of Standish wore a gown made from a Maine "Dirigo" flag trimmed in lobster rope and embroidered with the initials of survivors who supported her through chemotherapy. Erinn Needham of Kennebunk modeled a silver mesh gown designed to showcase her flat enclosure, explaining, "It's silver because I was trying to find all the silver linings in this situation."

The event provided a space for survivors to reclaim their confidence and celebrate their journeys. "For a lot of women who have had chemo and lost their hair or eyelashes, or lost breasts, it changes the way you feel about yourself," Paraschak said. "This show is an opportunity to reclaim themselves, their new bodies, and have some fun after a few years of that heaviness."

As Christina Clements of Sandwich, Massachusetts, reflected while strutting to "Fight Song" in a peacock-inspired gown: "This is a great night for us to celebrate and show we're not just patients, we're people, too."

Article by Amy Paradysz, Maine Sunday Telegram, May 14, 2023

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