October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Hillsborough County's seniors are showing their support and staying informed
With lively performances, informative speakers, and no shortage of glitz and glamour, the Ruskin Senior Center's second annual Wig Fashion Show was a morning of fun, learning, and giving back.
The center hosted experts from Moffitt Cancer Center to talk to residents about the importance of cancer screenings, especially for residents who may be at a higher risk due to genetics or tobacco use.
Do a little turn on the catwalk
During the presentation, attendees shared stories and wisdom with their neighbors while the ladies of the hour prepared to strut down the catwalk.
The Wig Fashion Show comprised three rounds of walks from the models, all clients of the Ruskin Senior Center. Dressed in high fashion, they showed off the numerous wigs that would be donated to Luna, an organization created to provide wigs to women with cancer at no cost.
Wigs ranged from straight to curly and blonde to brunette, reminding attendees that cancer does not only affect one type of person.
For those who fought breast cancer
Most of the models walked in honor of friends or family affected by breast cancer. Some walked in honor of winning their own battles with cancer.
Venitha Coleman has been cancer free for 12 years, and she emphasized the importance of getting regular checkups and detecting cancer early to increase the odds of beating it. Events at the senior center, according to Coleman, provide value for residents by keeping them informed and entertained.
While the models changed into new looks, attendees joined raffles for themed prizes and saw a performance from the center's dance crew.
The final walk was dedicated to the center's own survivors, who proudly adorned "survivor" sashes and looked pretty in pink.