Runway for Hope helps empower breast cancer survivors [Video]

PORTLAND, Maine — Hundreds of breast cancer survivors celebrated their beauty in the second Runway For Hope event in Portland on Saturday.

“Women in general, we all have self-confidence issues. We all have something that we’re working through,” Runway Coordinator Cassia Leach said. “[During breast cancer treatment] you get a lot taken away that people don’t understand, and it’s hard, you know?”

Each runway model gets to pick out their own dress, make-up, hairstyle and walkout song that makes them feel the most confident.

Aside from loving the glam, most participants say the biggest draw to being a part of the runway event is the support and understanding that comes with walking with other people who are also in your shoes.

“It’s like a little sisterhood,” runway model Erinn Needham said. …