PORTLAND, Maine — Hundreds of breast cancer survivors celebrated their beauty in the second Runway For Hope event in Portland on Saturday.
Hosted by the New England Breast Cancer Alliance, the event was created to help connect women going through breast cancer battles and help them feel good in their skin.
"Women in general, we all have self-confidence issues. We all have something that we're working through," Runway Coordinator Cassia Leach said. "[During breast cancer treatment] you get a lot taken away that people don't understand, and it's hard, you know?"
Each runway model gets to pick out their own dress, make-up, hairstyle and walkout song that makes them feel the most confident.
Aside from loving the glam, most participants say the biggest draw to being a part of the runway event is the support and understanding that comes with walking with other people who are also in your shoes.
"It's like a little sisterhood," runway model Erinn Needham said. "And I just felt really beautiful and empowered from doing the runway."
The runway show is made possible by donations and volunteer work from make-up artists, hairdressers, and more. This year, the event raised more than $55,000 to go towards the event and aid in breast cancer research.
Walking in this year's show was Beth Roddy, who says that she once struggled with being open about her breast cancer diagnosis and journey; concealing it from some friends and family.
But after learning the power behind the camaraderie at the Runway for Hope event, she was embracing the support.
"It's new for me, but I'm starting to get excited and pumped; I'm getting ready to strut my stuff!" Roddy said. "Learning how to ask for help, and actually saying yes to this, this is really transformative for me in that way."