Last fall, children ages 2 to 20, walked the runway modeling clothes from local boutiques to benefit childhood cancer research. What made the fashion show extra special were the models themselves — all survivors of childhood cancers. Through ticket sales to the show and a silent auction, the Kids’ Runway for Research event raised $14,000 to support Nemours cancer research and Adopt a Pig, a program that provides support services for families facing cancer.

Last week, event organizers and participants presented checks to Dr. A.K. Rajasekaran, Principal Scientist and Dr. E. Anders Kolb, Director, Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, and Rob Amand of Adopt a Pig.

Sandi Patterson and Patricia Ajizadeh, the organizers of Kids’ Runway for Research, hold the event annually in September to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and to shine a light on the need for more funding for pediatric cancer research. Perhaps the greatest benefit is to the models themselves.

Rose Badner, 11, of Felton, DE, participated in the fashion show and loved being a model for a day. “We all look beautiful, and everyone gets to see how we really feel,” she said. Rose was treated for leukemia at the hospital and is currently disease-free. She has participated in Runway for several years and says it’s a highlight of the year for her and her mother, Jessica.

“From choosing the clothing and accessories to the excitement and glamour of walking the runway, we enjoy the whole process,” said Jessica Badner. “And to know we’re making a statement about survival and helping to raise money for childhood cancer research makes it that much more special.”