This Friday, help roll out the red carpet for resilience, a trait we must put on and celebrate more than the latest and hottest on the runway.

Thanks to I Want to Share (IWTS) Foundation, whose gala will take place at Shangri-La the Fort on Friday, Sept. 15, cancer may in no uncertain terms become a word we associate more with survival and—what makes survival possible—resilience than disease. The quest makes a benefit ball, such as the IWTS charity gala, more meaningful not only for the benefactors, sponsors, donors, and other philanthropists, but also, more important, for its beneficiaries and its audience.

That’s exactly what you should expect from the charity gala organized by IWTS Foundation that’s happening in two days, a runway to be graced with hope, featuring young survivors of cancer, one of the most debilitating, most deadly of diseases, against which hope perhaps as well as a never-say-die attitude is the best treatment. It’s going to be a showcase of the courage of these young survivors, who will walk the walk of their lives in couture masterpieces by renowned Filipino designers Avel Bacudio, Mark Bumgarner, Martin Bautista, Rajo Laurel, and Andrea Tetangco.

The gala, as the IWTS describes it in a press statement, “is a heartfelt celebration of the unwavering strength (of the cancer survivors) and an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their incredible battle to survivorship.”
To the designers, collaborating with IWTS is a firm stand against the hopelessness of cancer, as well as a higher pursuit, elevating the purpose of fashion beyond surfaces.

“It feels good (to be a part of this) because we continue a cycle of bringing goodness and hope to all these unfortunate children,” says Rajo. “It’s an honor to be able to showcase my talent and share my creations to these people,” adds Andrea.

For the young cancer warriors, the runway, more than a celebration of their victory, more than a reward for their bravery, becomes the path toward self-acceptance, especially for those whose fight against cancer may have taken its toll on their physical appearance. Presenting themselves before a compassionate crowd, who shares in their struggles and who root for their survival, will remind them of the stuff of which they are made and, with hope, help them regain the confidence to break free from the shackles of their medical woes. May walking the runway lead them to the path of self-mastery over and above the challenges, such as cancer, that life may have thrown at them.

There’s more than meets the eye at the IWTS charity gala. More than a fundraiser, although the mission of the foundation is to fund the transformation of cancer-challenged lives, particularly through the Childhood Cancer Help Line, just launched to increase the cancer survival rate in the Philippines to at least 60 percent (from 30 percent), it is a campaign for empowerment, providing cancer warriors with the resources they need to build their lives beyond their medical condition.

The charity gala is a step beyond what IWTS founder Sheila Romero calls “change that can be achieved by starting small.” Growing the foundation into an institution from its humble beginnings with “small projects” like helping 600 young cancer patients complete their chemotherapy sessions every year or the “I Want to Share my Hair” campaign that, launched during the height of the pandemic, helped create opportunities for these children to reclaim the hair they had lost in the battle against cancer. In 2015, IWTS dedicated gargantuan efforts to organizing the “Shine! Dreams Do Come True” program, as a result of which the young survivors, experiencing the magic of prom on the arms of esteemed celebrities, such as actors and singers, felt like stars themselves, even for a night. Also in the works is the establishment of two specialized rooms and a nurturing nurses’ station at the Bone Marrow Transplant Center at the Philippine General Hospital.

“Every year, there are 600 kids that strongly finish chemotherapy. We celebrate this milestone by providing them an avenue to graduate like normal students. In December 2022, we had 150 graduates who fought and beat cancer,” says Shiela. “It’s time for bigger things and greater goals. Let’s help cancer patients continue to live, laugh, and love. Let’s leave a legacy they will treasure forever.”

The success of the IWTS charity gala has been made possible through a partnership with what the foundation calls its angel investors—Maserati, along with Rulls, Vivo, Silicon Valleys, SM Supermalls, The Lind Boracay, Moss Interior Event & Design, as well as media sponsors, including Manila Bulletin. Like and follow IWTS Foundation across all social media platforms.