Black Mountain cancer survivor to appear in Here's Hope Fashion Show

When Hope Chest for Women holds its Here's Hope Fashion Show and Luncheon from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Asheville Event Center, 11 courageous local breast cancer survivors will model clothing from retailers who support the nonprofit. 

Among those making their way down the runway, will be the Swannanoa Valley's Marilyn Walker, who will model clothing from J. Crew.

Walker's son, Dr. Keith Pruitt will escort Marilyn down the runway. Walker was diagnosed in 2017 with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Triple Positive breast cancer. After having a lumpectomy, she underwent radiation treatments and chemotherapy.

It was all worth it as Walker and her family celebrate Marilyn being cancer free today. She credits her husband, son and daughter-in-law as being a big part of her cancer journey.

 "They always made themselves available at the most needed times," Walker said.

Even her kitty cat helped provide her comfort.

"It's a known fact that animals help the healing process," she said. "Having cancer is hard enough with all the doctor visits, chemo, radiation and side effects that come with treatment. It's also very expensive. Hope Chest helps relieve some of the financial stress that comes with fighting cancer. It's an awesome organization that provides services that relieve day to day stresses that no other charity does."

Area retailers Dillards Clearance, Banana Republic, Chicos, Nest, REI, J.Crew, Anthropologie, Lilly Pulitzer, Harley Davidson of Asheville, Ann Taylor, and Belk will lend beautiful fall fashions to be shown throughout the Event Center to an audience of 400 guests. 

Tickets are $50 each and tax deductible. The event consists of a buffet provided by Ingles Catering. To learn more visit hopechestforwomen.org.