WORCESTER—A Worcester fashion show later this month puts cancer survivors—and the doctors who treat them—at the center of the runway, using personal stories to raise awareness about colorectal cancer.
UMass Memorial Medical Center is partnering with community organizers to host “Strut For A Cause” on Friday, March 27, at Union Station’s Luciano’s, an event that blends a runway-style show with education and fundraising tied to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
The evening features physicians, medical staff and community members modeling clothing provided by Macy’s, while also sharing stories tied to cancer treatment, survival and research. Organizers say the goal is to make those stories more visible—particularly for a disease that can go undetected or be misunderstood.
“This show is a movement to raise awareness for this disease,” Brenda Eckrof Brown, president of Roll for Cancer and chair of the event, told the Worcester Guardian.
While the event includes fashion and entertainment, its focus is on the people behind the diagnosis — including survivors Rama Susarla and Kara Lionetta, who share their experiences as part of the event.
Susarla, now 60, was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 45 while already undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. After noticing symptoms, she was diagnosed with a second cancer shortly afterward.
“I want to tell them about my story and teach them confidence,” said Susarla. “Don’t lose hope. That is the message I want to push.”
Lionetta, a mother of two young children at the time of her diagnosis, said her symptoms were initially dismissed as less serious before further testing revealed colorectal cancer.
“I was in denial that it could be something so serious,” she said.
She said she hopes sharing her experience encourages others to take symptoms seriously and seek care early.
“My story is not out of the ordinary anymore,” she said.
Lionetta now lives a happy life, raising a 2- and 4- year-old in South Boston, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Organizers say that message—early detection and awareness—is central to the event, particularly as colorectal cancer cases continue to affect people across a wide range of ages.
According to national estimates, more than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year in the United States.
Strut For A Cause runs from 5:30-10 p.m. on March 27 at Luciano’s in Union Station.
Proceeds support colorectal cancer awareness and research efforts.
Brendon Bailey can be reached at bbailey8502@gmail.com or 508-864-8881
