News Article

Hot… Hot… Hot!

The ‘Times of Our Lives’ was a truly uplifting and inspirational show that recognizes the beauty in all of us and the special role cancer survivors play in our lives.

Date: 09/21/2005

August 20, 2005, Sacramento, CA:  On one of the hottest days of August, I stepped out of my car onto the corner of Arden Way and Pointe West in Sacramento. "Too hot," I grumbled to myself, remembering one of my least favorite aspects of Sacramento summer living as a bead of perspiration trickled down my forehead. I'd already had a heat related wardrobe disaster occur earlier in the day requiring a frantic shopping trip half an hour before the show, designer clothing ruined. Making a mental note to myself to avoid all summer appointments in The River City in the future, I began to look around for my destination. There it was - easily marked by the long line of people eagerly lining up outside the entrance to the Grand Ballroom at the Doubletree Hotel. I heard a curious passerby ask what was going on, and a proud reply "A musical review and fashion show featuring cancer survivors," as I jostled my way to the front clutching my VIP pass to escape the heat. Almost fully wilted by the heat now, I wove through the crowd in the lobby toward the entrance and in I went.

 

Ah, air conditioning at last.

After being seated at our reserved seats for the luncheon and show, I read through the program featuring profiles of the cast, including 24 cancer survivors who were also members of Curves clubs throughout the Sacramento region. I gratefully procured a bottle of water and settled in.  As more people filed in, black-tie wait staff began to circulate and serve a fabulous lunch.  The energy in the room was fabulous and my earlier irritation with the weather and the city began to slip away in anticipation of the show that was about to unfold.

 

Hot… Hot… Hot!  Not the weather this time.  Hot!  The models and dancers.  Hot! The fashion.  Hot!  The guests.

 

One of the things I most enjoyed and appreciated about the ‘The Times of Our Lives’ is that all the models, men and women, as well as the cancer survivors –were real people!  Models with real curves sashaying down that runway and look absolutely gorgeous doing it. They prove that fashion cut properly looks best modeled on the bodies it is meant to adorn. None of this mainstream fashion world nonsense that considers a six foot tall, size 10 model "plus". If models with decent curves don't look good in the clothes there is something wrong with the cut and the design, not the body it is draping. And these shows, along with the show’s retail sponsors and designers, proved the point.

 

I was also inspired by the stories of the cancer survivors from Curves who were on stage for the first time in their lives and looked so poised, professional, proud and absolutely fabulous!  I learned that those with cancer often dramatically change their lives; their diagnosis and treatment become a turning point.  Some of these survivors are motivated to try something new, looking forward to making their lives more meaningful.  Others perceive opportunities, are more motivated to pursue them and have a greater capacity to create something and find their passion for living through work.  Good Health for Life, the creator of this event, is focused on improving their survival by helping survivors get back to work that they love.  If these 24 fabulous cancer survivor models were any indication at all, I learned an important fact – that having cancer doesn’t diminish a person’s value – in many instances it increases it!  The women all volunteered for the show and worked hard to perform in musical scenes while learning how to model beautiful clothes.  How many people do you know that would have the courage, fortitude and determination to do it and so well?!  Yet, there they were on stage in front of 500 cheering audience members, breaking the accepted and prevailing norms about cancer survivors and bringing tremendous energy, talent and the latest fashions to a Sacramento runway with heads held high and fabulous results. Many would not dare, even call it madness. I call it strength and vision.

 

“This is our first annual event and we couldn’t be prouder of the results!” said Louise Stanley, Good Health for Life’s executive director and founder.  “Our mission is to show people that when a cancer survivor does work that they love, it has a profoundly positive impact on their own life as well as all those they touch.  Employers should reach out to work with these talented people who can enhance their businesses in so many ways.  Not only is it good for the survivor and the company, but it’s good for the community as a whole helping everyone affected to grow and thrive.”

 

I learned that Good Health for Life hooked up with Curves for a very special reason.  Curves is a place where cancer survivors go to get fit, healthy and strong.  Louise Stanley joined Curves herself after she completed 13 months of chemotherapy and needed to get back on her feet.  Louise said, “Their program gives you a complete aerobic and strength training workout with easy-to-learn hydraulic resistance machines. I’ve found that since I started conditioning my body, I have been able to bounce back faster from surgeries for new cancers and have so much more energy than before that I can dedicate to my work.  It’s such a natural partnership.  How can you get up in the morning and be motivated if you don’t feel physically fit?  Curves can help cancer survivors have a much better quality of life.”

 

The final bars of music floated away and it was time to return to reality.  After much final applause, the doors opened again spilling the crush of men and women back out onto the hot Sacramento streets. The entire luncheon and show was handled with flair and grace.  I think I can speak for all who attended when I thank the designers, models, Warm Welcomings and Doubletree Hotel staff and, above all, Lisa Schwan for putting together a truly uplifting and inspirational show that recognizes the beauty in all of us and the special role cancer survivors play in our lives.

Good Health for Life and Curves are already working on their next show for spring 2006 and if this was their first performance, I can’t wait to see what the next one has in store for us! 

 

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