The Barbara Bates Foundation hosted its third annual Knocking Out Breast Cancer fashion show at Macy’s in Chicago. The proceeds will go to the creation of the Barbara Bates Foundation Breast Wellness Center at Mount Sinai Hospital to educate women in under resourced communities about the detection and treatment of breast cancer. To date, the foundation has raised over $430K toward a total commitment of $500K, one year ahead of schedule.
Knocking Out Breast Cancer is not just another fashion show. All the models are survivors of breast cancer or are currently battling the disease. Bates is pioneering the movement to support breast cancer research for women of color through fashion. Bates has taken a grassroots approach to meeting her commitment to Mount Sinai and earlier this year the foundation hosted its second 5k walk-run, Walk Where You Live, that contributed an additional $25K to this year’s efforts. Additionally, committee members have raised funds on the job through special fundraising events and by collecting spare change.
Lori Chambers, a 4-year breast cancer survivor, spoke with us and had some encouraging words for anyone suffering from breast cancer: “Don’t let fear paralyze you and don’t be afraid to know; be afraid not to know.”
Take a look at the pics in the gallery below
