My parents being in the health care field and having alopecia inspired me to go into NURSING STUDIES AT UMASS BOSTON. Sometimes in school there’s that one professor you absolutely love and connect with. My women’s health and maternity professor was blunt, funny, and a REAL SPITFIRE. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, a rapidly growing stage three breast cancer, and it hit her like a ton of bricks. It was the first day of class when she found out, and she hid it so well. She started going through chemotherapy, then got a wig. I knew because I have no hair. When she told us, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

She’s good now, all better. My grandmother, one of my friends, and a cousin were also diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a passion for the arts and performing and fashion, so I thought, LET’S TRY A FASHION SHOW. Let’s get some of these survivors on board and make them feel more beautiful than they already are. Let’s raise some money. I don’t know how I even pulled it off. The first event was definitely successful — 225 people came.