It started with a fashion model following her diagnosis in 1971. She felt like an ugly duckling, not nearly the beautiful woman that she was. Following her recovery, she found her beauty once again, and soon transformed into a swan.
That woman is Sue Miller.
Ten years following her diagnosis, she was asked to stage a fashion show. Her one condition was that all models be breast cancer survivors. An event originally hosted by the Metropolitan Mastectomy Club soon became the original Day of Caring.
In the years since, she’s lobbied the Colorado legislature to require health care organizations to provide mammograms for women over 40, as well as federal funding for breast cancer research. In addition to her numerous awards, she also has helped end the ignorance and stigma associated with breast cancer and supported the people that need it most.
Miller’s amazing journey was documented in five scenes that featured music by Robin Skouteris, and was visually depicted through both studio company and academy students of the Colorado Ballet.
Attendees got a glimpse of spring looks by Brooks LTD and Macy’s modeled by breast cancer survivors from all walks of life in a preview of what was to follow the next evening.
The fashion show detailed the stages of diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survival, and goes to show that each stage of this journey possesses beauty. Though the fashions have changed in the 30 years since the first show, the stories of these models continue to give hope to the patients and families beginning their journey, as well as inspire the transformation of the ugly duckling into the beautiful swan.
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- Members of the Colorado Ballet dance.
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- Becky Haddad works the runway in a look from Brooks.
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- Susan Madison models a look from Brooks.
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- Courtney Mizel poses with designer Brooks Luby.
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- Keri Christiansen walks in an evening gown from Brooks LTD.
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- Lequita J. Taylor models a dress from Macy’s.
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- Penny Newmark walks the catwalk in a dress from Macy’s.
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- Suzanne Thomas struts in an evening gown from Macy’s
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- Susan Maruyama models a dress from Macy’s.
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- Sayaka Ruggles models a look from Macy’s.
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- Members of the Colorado Ballet dance.
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- Adele Gordon strikes a pose in a look from Macy’s.
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- Diane Arave smiles in a dress from Macy’s.
