"Everyone at Mary Bird were the sweetest and most kind people you could want to meet. I would say my family and GOD are the ones that brought me though this besides all the wonderful people at Mary Bird. I would hope that one day I could offer someone is this position some good advice and to let them know that they can do it. It may be hard but it makes you strong."

"My mother had a very difficult journey following her diagnosis of breast cancer so my journey was both reflective and emotional. My husband would drop me off at the hospital for my chemotherapy on his way to his radiation treatment. Our experience of coping with a cancer diagnosis together created a bond that has actually strengthened our 41-year marriage."

"I am grateful to anyone who prays for me and I pray for all people who pray for me. When I go to Mary Bird I sit quietly and pray for every person who walks in the door, especially the nurses and doctors. I will continue to do that for the rest of my life. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell my story."

"I am finished with my treatment. I have been Cancer-free for 5 mos. I received my treatment at Mary Bird Perkins in Covington, LA. I still see my Oncologist there. I try to encourage people who have been diagnosed. Whether it be a conversation or just a simple smile, I want them to know I care. I truly believe people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime."

I was extremely lucky to have caught my cancer at it's earliest stage. The cancer was in two different spots in my right breast. After speaking with many doctors I decided the best option for me was to have a double mastectomy to lessen the chances of the cancer returning in the left side. Since I caught my cancer early and because of the decision I made no further treatment was necessary. I still see my doctor every six months for check ups and I continue to do self exams near my scar area.

"I'm so excited about this event! It will make me feel like a woman again! It will give me my confidence back that I need!"

I was blessed by being diagnosed very early. Stage 1 non aggressive . That's why mammograms are so important and if anything appears abnormal, question, follow up and get a second opinion. Always reach out to others when you need some strength. You will be amazed at how many wonderful people are at your finger tips!!!

" I think it would be so wonderful to be in the company of other breast cancer survivors doing an event like this.We would have each other to lean on and be able to look at each other and smile and feel so proud of ourselves for being able to be a part of something like this and also raising money for such a wonderful cause. I too think this would show to other women that are just acquiring the disease that "hey you can do it and get through it gracefully and peacefully and come out shining."

Feeling terrible is a given. Survival is increasing and we bounce back to normalcy fairly quickly. For me, being with other women who has delt with this delima in life, is reassuring. We hear about others that went through this and didn't survive. That is a negative. Not good to think about.

"While I am a little nervous about this fashion show, I have heard how special it was last year and I feel honored to be a part of it. I hope I can help promote awareness of breast cancer and regular mammogram screening, and be an encouragement to others that may be on this journey."

"I hope to gain some confidence from this experience and not look at myself as a cancer patient anymore, I want to help encourage others to be positive about their cancer journey/experience. I really want to celebrate my victory over cancer!"

“Mommy’s ouchy” is how we described my illness to our two year old daughter, Raegan, who sometimes came to treatments. After six months of chemotherapy, I gave birth to our daughter, Madison, at 36 weeks gestation. She was a healthy baby girl at 5lbs 8oz and 18in.

I have been in recovery for about 1.5 years. I play tennis on the Northshore and I was able to compete the entire time of treatment except for the weeks following surgery.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after my 31st birthday. Life became a whirlwind of doctor's appointments, surgeries, chemotherapy, etc. My family and friends were extremely supportive, and the care I received from all of my doctors, nurses and facilities was outstanding!! I have wanted to participate in an event such as this runway show since my recovery. October 2014 will mark 5 years in remission, and I would feel honored to partake of this experience. Thank you!

When I first started this process I felt lost and alone because every time I would go to the hospital I saw that there was no one my age. I couldn't talk to anyone that could relate with me based on where I was in my life. I told myself that I want to be that person that young people can call when they feel how I did.

"I hope to be a voice for a younger generation of women going through this, I want them to know it's going to tough, but in the end it will be ok. I also want to bring more light to children of those families who have had to deal with a parent with cancer. I am so thankful to all who have helped my little guys understand that what we are going through is not the norm, but that as a family we will get through this."

I know that my experience has made me a more compassionate and stronger person, but more importantly, I have a greater love for my Savior. Without the understanding of our sovereign Lord, I'm not sure how I would have handled this. I prayed to bring Him glory regardless of the outcome and He's been pleased to spare my life. I pray that I may share the source of my peace with others on this journey so that they may experience the same comfort.

I know that some people travel long distances for cancer treatment, and to have such wonderful care given to me just down the road from where I live, was a blessing. I walked away from breast cancer 7 years ago and I very rarely look back. I want people to know that what they go through now will one day be a memory.

"I believe this experience will give me the confidence to show my courage as a breast cancer survivor. I can tell anyone my story, but have never been able to stand in front of a group to do it. Would love to shout to the world that I'm a survivor through and through! "

am a wife and mother of four ranging from 12 to 4 years old. I found the lump myself while I was nursing my one year old. By being asked to be a model in you night, I feel people can see there is life after breast cancer. I have lost loved ones through this terrible disease and stand proud in their honor to raise money that one day there will be a cure for breast cancer.