Caledon breast cancer survivor models in fashion show

Cheryl Innis

The sounds of beating Dragons¿ hearts have arrived - only this time in high fashion. Wednesday, Sept. 19, Jones New York and Dragons Abreast will be hosting a reception and fashion show to benefit Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation. With Erin Davis as the Master of Ceremonies at the luxurious Arcadian Court in The Bay, Queen Street, the party starts with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. followed by a fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors from Dragons Abreast modelling fashions from Jones New York at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased through Wellspring by calling 416- 961-1928.

Caledon's Cheryl Innis is a survivor.

Living on a farm in Caledon, Cheryl was accustomed to a very demanding lifestyle. She was always very physically active - exercise was her lifeline. She was the poster girl for health and fitness. But in October 2003, after a routine checkup, Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially, the news came as a shock.

"I was even a little ashamed and embarrassed that the body I was so loyal to could be so disloyal to me," Cheryl said. "Instead of letting my diagnosis interfere with my life, I went right into survival mode. Breast cancer was as an obstacle that I had to get past."

After her treatment, Cheryl was told that she would be unable to exercise or even do the daily chores around her farm, but she was determined not to change anything in her lifestyle. That was when she discovered Dragons Abreast. When she first attempted to join Dragons Abreast, she was told that it was too soon after her treatment and she would have to wait until she was fully recovered. In 2004, Cheryl became an official member and began paddling with the team.

Cheryl is looking forward to walking down the runway in the Jones New York and Dragons Abreast Fashion Show at the Arcadian Court in Toronto Sept. 19.

"This fabulous show of support from Jones New York and Dragons Abreast will help Wellspring assist thousands of families coping with the diagnosis, treatment and effects of breast cancer," said Lynda Morrison, CEO, Wellspring. "We encourage women from across the GTA to help us do even more by joining us Sept. 19 for this fun and spirited event."

Founded in Toronto in 1997, Dragons Abreast is Toronto's Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team. Members spread their message of hope and inspiration at Dragon Boat venues across Ontario, demonstrating that there really is life after breast cancer. Dragons Abreast is a group of 100 people ranging in age from early 30s to their 80s, all survivors of breast cancer. From June to September, Dragons Abreast crews compete in racing events across southern Ontario including the Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival, one of the largest venues outside of China. This event is host to over 200 dragon boat teams. Members of Dragons Abreast have paddled in Canada from Halifax to Vancouver and have been to world competitions in Philadelphia, Rome, Shanghai, Toronto and Singapore.

They have also paddled in New Zealand, South Africa, Berlin, and this year will be paddling down under in Australia.