In its 29th year, audiences found the Friends of Kids with Cancer Fashion Show as fresh and fascinating as ever. Once again children who face serious illness stepped out on the stage, sauntered, strode or danced down the runway and brightened the room with youthful enthusiasm and brilliant smiles. 

There were both a lunch and a dinner show at the Ritz Carlton in Clayton, Nov. 2, and all together about 900 people attended and gave generously. 

More than $200,000 was raised during the Fund-a-Need portion of the program alone, said Angela Hutchings, a spokeswoman for the organization last week. 

“Donations are still coming in,” she said. “Last year we raised over $300,000 at the event, and we’re currently tallying the generous donations from our supporters.”

The funds raised provide programs for children and young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. 

“Anytime a child is diagnosed with a pediatric form of cancer or a blood related disease, they are refered to Friends of Kids with Cancer by our hospital partners,” said Brandy Bimslager, executive director of the organization. 

Those hospital partners include Mercy, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

Friends of Kids with Cancer then helps children whose lives and schooling have been disrupted with education programs – tutoring, test help and scholarships. They provide emotional help with counseling, support groups and expressive therapies as well as create fun activities for children and their families, Bimslager, said. 

“We really have a very strong family focus in all of our programming, especially for siblings. We provide families opportunities to be together, have experiences and create memories.

Bimslager said the fashion show is a unique event that works two ways for the children, young adults and families who are dealing with cancer. 

“We are able to provide an incredible experience for these active treatment models and their families. But also raise funds as well,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way for our supporters and the community to be able to see firsthand the kids and young adults and have a way to rally around them and make them feel empowered and beautiful.”

There was plenty of rallying the day of the fashion show during both the lunch and dinner shows when five-year-old Zoe took the microphone and had the crowd answer her “favorite” math questions. Model Emcee and Board President Suzanne Rosenberg tried to recover the mic, but Zoey told her before she turned it over, “one day I’m going to work in this place,” as the crowd roared.

The models start their day early. They have their hair and makeup done. They choose their outfits, and then enjoy time in a room where their toy dreams are fulfilled by their “Friends” and buddy volunteers from local high schools keep them entertained until showtime. Then models walk the runway with St. Louis Cardinals, Blues and City stars and alumni and this year for the first time Duo (therapy) Dogs.   

Sharon Huber, who attended her first fashion show more than 20 years ago and is now a board member of the organization said she remembers the first time she attended. Dr. Bob Bergamini who launched the program in his office in 1992 was her neighbor and his wife invited her to the show. 

“Sitting in that room and watching those kids with these huge smiles on their faces and you know they are going through a lot, many of them are in pain or suffering at some level, and this is a big day for them,” she said “They get to be a model. It’s really touching. These little kids are having a special day – full of life. They are not suffering. They are living, and they are being recognized by people.”

Bimslager said their strength comes through on the runway.

“These children are just kids, normal kids who are experiencing something terrible. But they are resilient and brave and love to shine bright,” she said. 

The result for Huber is her dedication to the organization as one of the many Friends of Kids with Cancer, and the Fashion Show is still her favorite event. 

“I bawled my eyes out the first time I went, and I still cry,” she said.

 But no one is more touched by the work of Friends of Kids with Cancer than the children and the families of those they serve. 

Rebecca Van Roekel whose child Hudson has endured a long and difficult journey with cancer had nothing but good things to say about the work of the organization. 

“Just before Thanksgiving in 2019, Hudson was diagnosed with an Anaplastic Ependymoma. He was two years old,” she wrote. “Before reaching his fifth birthday he endured five brain surgeries, two rounds of radiation and numerous scans, hospital stays and rehabilitations.”

This past summer, Hudson had his sixth brain surgery. 

“Hudson has handled all that has happened to him with a spirit and strength far beyond his years. He has the kindest heart and makes friends with everyone he meets,” she said.

“We are optimistic that Hudson will continue to grow and thrive and that our family can enjoy being together and share many more special moments in the years to come,” Van Roekel said.

“Since the time he was diagnosed, Friends of Kids with Cancer has been a constant presence in our family. They continue to support us and often surprise us through endless gifts, activities and the most amazing memories not only for Hudson but for his big brother Carter (8 yrs. old) as well. The amount of times they have brightened our spirits on the hardest of days is truly unmeasurable, and we are so grateful to call them our friends!”

Huber said Friends of Kids with Cancer makes a difference.

“They help the entire family,” she said. “They do a lot for the siblings. Imagine being a sibling of a kid with cancer. The parents are worried about everything they are going through, watching over them constantly and the other siblings sometimes get left out. It’s just natural.”

Huber said her experience with Friends of Kids with Cancer compells her to give and she’s glad that the charity’s focus is helping families in the St. Louis metropolitan area. 

“I know I’m giving to a charity that is staying local. It’s helping local kids, helping my neighbor, so I feel good about that,” she said. 

“I am fortunate that my kids are healthy,” Huber said. “When I see kids that are not healthy, how can I not want to help them, support them, do what I can to make their lives as normal as I can. I do it because they’re kids, and I just love kids.”

If you would like to donate to Friends of Kids with Cancer, log onto the website at Friendsofkids.com/donate or mail your donation to Friends of Kids with Cancer, 16 Sunnen Dr., Suite 161, St. Louis, 63143.