Breast cancer survivors across the west became models for a day when they glammed up for a BreastWest Fashion Gala at Moonee Valley Racing Club.
The event raised more than $60,000 for BreastWest, which helps improve care for breast cancer sufferers.
Truganina resident Rachel Spitts was cheered on by a large group of family and friends when she walked down the runway on the arm of Western Bulldogs player Nathan Hrovat.
“I was very keen,” she said. “It’s been such a crappy year and I wanted to feel special and meet other women who had been, not exactly in my shoes, but understand what it’s like to have gone through what we’ve gone through.”
The 33-year-old mother of one found a lump on her breast while taking a shower late last year and was diagnosed with breast cancer two days before Christmas..
Ms Spitts, who was treated at Sunshine and Footscray hospitals, had a lumpectomy in early January, four rounds of chemotherapy, further surgery to remove pre-cancerous cells and radiation.
The results from a recent mammogram and ultrasound found her clear of cancer.
Ms Spitts praised her doctors, nurses and family for their support in the past year.
“They’ve all been so amazing,” she said. “I absolutely loved the nurses, and I loved my surgeon and my oncologist – I’ve been so happy with all of them. We can have a better Christmas this year, that’s for sure.”
