SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – April has become an extra-special month for breast cancer survivors locally because the Breast Cancer Foundation of Ozarks brings so many survivors together.
The event is called “A Time to Share.” It’s an annual fashion show fundraiser for BCFO. But for the men and women who will be modeling, it’s also a time to share with each other the “shimmers of hope” that come with surviving breast cancer.
It’s become a big tradition, with nearly 70 models who will be on stage this month. Year after year, these men and women from the Ozarks get dressed up and walk the runway.
But the models show off so much more than the fashions they wear. “It really shows why we’re here, why Mary Beth made this happen, why we’re here to connect people to help people during the roughest time of their lives and let them show their resilience and strength, whether they’re still going through it or they’re a survivor and thriver,” said BCFO’s Meghan Walkenhorst.
I started the fashion show in 2020,” said breast cancer survivor Judy Davidson.
We first met Judy Davidson in 2020, not long after her diagnosis.
“At the time, I was a stage-1. They didn’t think it had moved outside the breast. More scans found a spot on my sternum, then on my rib, then on my spine. They started chemo. I was diagnosed with stage 4 because it had moved outside the breast,” said Judy.
Now, five years later, scans still show no sign of disease in Judy’s body, an answer to her family’s prayers.
Still, Judy’s journey to stay cancer-free continues. “I do maintenance every 3 weeks. I’m there for 30 minutes. It doesn’t stop me. It’s preventative. My breast cancer is estrogen-fed. I take Herceptin. I also take a pill at night,” said Judy.
Now, on the fashion show stage, Judy and her fellow survivors are literally modeling how to survive breast cancer physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“I’ve actually had breast cancer twice, 2 times. So, I’m a two-time survivor,” said Amy Crocker.
This will be Amy Crocker’s first time on the runway. Her young family will be watching.
“I was always conscious of doing monthly self-checks, and the mammogram caught it before I felt it,” said Amy.
That was in 2021. Amy was relieved that her treatment was limited to a lumpectomy and limited radiation. Then came 2023. Another routine mammogram found another lump in Amy’s other breast. It was HR2 positive, hormone negative, and completely opposite from Amy’s first diagnosis.
This time Amy’s treatment was much more aggressive with chemo, radiation, and a double mastectomy.
“It was a little harder to find those pieces of joy, those shimmers, as we talk about the shimmer of hope. Moving forward, this is my path. I’m going to learn and continue to grow,” said Amy.
Her will to survive and thrive brings people like Amy and Judy to events like this.
“It’s amazing once their hair is done and clothes on, just that pride and confidence that comes out in them. It may be the one thing they needed to get them over the hump, make new friends. It’s really emotional for them, for the staff, and for the audience. It’s amazing,” said Walkenhorst.
“My family’s been supportive, but there’s nothing like someone who’s been there to be that shoulder. Having that community support, having all those people cheer you on and show their support. That way is fantastic,” said Amy.
BCFO’s Time to Share fashion show is Thursday, April 10th at 7:15 p.m. at the Shrine Mosque in Springfield. Ticket sales support breast cancer patients in the Ozarks. They’re available at bcfo.org. Be sure to sign up for Buddy Check 3 at KY3.com. Register your name and a buddy’s name to remind each other to practice medical recommendations to troubleshoot breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stage.
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