‘I can write books on the breast cancer survivors,’ says ace designer Anupamma Dayal. Ankita Jain reports
Clad in an animal printed boho-chic collection with a headgear, gypsy jewelleries and beaded barefoot sandals, she sashayed the ramp with elegance and a broad smile. If you have already picturised a slim and tall model in this scenario then wait a minute. She was not an ordinary model but a woman who had survived breast cancer. And she was not alone, 14 more brave survivors set the ramp on fire with their confidence and courage.
“Cancer has taught me to value life and not just to breathe but live it to eternities. There was a time when there were no tablets available for my disease and only the spiritual believes helped me out. For me, health is not simply a matter of absence of illness, but a constant challenge. An unbeatable spirit is what supplies power to me to keep moving forward. Today my husband is suffering from failed liver and I stand tall that I'm able to take care of him despite fighting my own illness and still being on medication,” said Joita Soni who is an entrepreneur and also a three time breast cancer survivor. She also inspired people there to ask questions and not to take medicines simply because the doctor has prescribed you.
The survivors not only walked the ramp but also filled it with fun through their twirls and thumkas. The show titled Embraced The Pink Power by Roko, a cancer charitable trust was organised to create awareness about breast cancer at the Imperial Hotel.
In an attempt to boost their confidence, designer Anupamaa Dhayal designed a couture named Gulabi, “It’s a pink story with a strong collection which celebrates the power of women and femininity. And there are many things, I learnt working with them. The spirit they work with and an aptitude to live every moment of life and also how they stand for each other,” said Anupamaa.
Sharing one of her experience with them, she added, “I complimented a girl for her pink nail polish and she said it’s to hide the blackness caused by chemotherapy. And talking about another incident, I certainly realised that the person next to me was a blind and coincidently she was talking intelligently about subjects like colour. The fun that they had during the rehearsals taught me that life is all about small moments. I can even write books on them.”
“I can’t see myself but I am feeling so beautiful. I am here to celebrate the will that exists in woman in our society. The will can actually do wonders on this earth. For the past 50 years, I have not been able to see and if I am standing here, it’s all because of that will. My mission is to inspire the world that there’s only one life that we have. And it should be lived to the fullest,” said Preeti Monga, a motivational speaker and also a visually impaired. Even she walked for the cause along with the designer displaying her never-say-die spirit.