Fashion Statement

I had the honor of going to a fashion show fundraiser for Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research the other night. This was quite an event. There were professional football players in attendance with one, Curtis Lofton of the Atlanta Falcons, playing host to the event.

I'd never been to a fashion show, but have paid attention to them through the likes of America's Top Model, and various other TV fluff. The event was held at Saks Fifth Avenue at Phipps Plaza in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. For those unaware, this is high-end shopping and clothing. As a guy typically fills his wardrobe from Kohl's or Target, I did my best to fit in.

The event was nice. Great food. Great company. The rows of white chairs on both sides of the runway. It was cool. They sat us along the runway. The music started and the models started there strutting. Very pretty, fit, young ladies. Just like I'd imagined. Then the music stopped and the real event began. Curtis Lofton was escorting a young cancer survivor down the runway. Here was this hulking guy with a bird-weighted young girl at his side. Doing their own strut down the runway. Two by two they were introduced. The Falcon and the pediatric cancer battler or survivor. About 15 of them. It was beautiful. The contrast was amazing. The giant, physically dominating man and the slight child. There was not a dry eye in the place. I had the opportunity to thank Jamaal Anderson of the Falcons for his participation in the event to which he replied "This is the fun part of our jobs...".

Over my left shoulder was a husband, wife and a sister of one of these brave young ladies. You could see the strength, pride and fatigue in the parents from their walk through this trial of cancer with their little girl. The sister was weeping. You could see they love their little daughter and sister immensely. I am amazed at the wisdom, maturity, strength, and faith that you see in these families. They have battled, are battling, and will continue to battle this dreadful disease—the number one disease killer of children. Not only is the disease horrible, but the side effects from treatment can be equally as formidable.

I encourage any of you who read these words to visit RallyFoundation.org to read about some of these tremendous kids and find out how you can help raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research.