Tunisia has organized the world’s first-ever fashion show for cancer patients. According to the organizers of the event, the fashion show was organized to create awareness about cancer and most importantly, to misconceptions about cancer in Africa and Tunisia.
During the show, beautiful female cancer patients in gorgeous dresses smiled as patrons cheered on. Fashion enthusiast and professional models were given a run for their money as the cancer patients rocked the runway.
The event which was organized during the week saw ten women and girls serenaded by a violinist as they modelled along the runway before spectators.
There is no doubt that the experience will mean a lot to not only the cancer patients but everyone reached.
Speaking after the event, Syrin Zwari, the president of Rotaract Tanit Carthage club, organizers of the event said:
“First, the idea aims to show that women are strong, and illness can’t stop them from achieving the things that they want to do and that illness is just a phase that will pass.
“We all know that women who undergo chemo-therapy are tired, they lose their hair, and their eyes are tired because of the side effects, so we want to get them out of that phase, we wanted to have a special day just for them, where everyone can watch them and see how beautiful they are”.
Syrine Khmisi is receiving treatment for the illness. She wants people to change the way they see cancer.
“When I was sick, I wanted to go out and be beautiful and to be happy with myself. I wanted to go to people and tell that that I’m sick and for everybody to know about it. I want to send a positive message, I want people to change the way how they see cancer because it is not fatal if we know how to deal with it, and how to recover”, she said.
Patrons came in their numbers to lend a hand of support.
“You have to be strong and you need to talk. I don’t have to be scared of this illness because it’s just a disease like any other one. You need to be around family, friends and everyone who loves you. You must think about the future; you don’t have to think that you are suffering and you are going to die. You must have hope, alway”, Adnen an attendee said.
Tunisia’s health ministry pegs the number of cancer-related deaths to around 10,800.
It lists cancer as the second major cause of death with 1,500 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the country every year.
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