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Members of the Grand Falls Region's Women in Business Network gathered over $500 for the Canadian Cancer Society for breast cancer research, with their second annual fashion show. Local models strutted their stuff on the catwalk on March 19, to show off new fashions from participating shops.

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Heidi Cyr Photo

Spring trench: Caroline Michaud modeled a beautiful trench coat for the Grand Falls Region’s Women in Business Network Fashion show. Funds collected during this event will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Heidi Cyr Photo

Women in Business Network: Grand Falls Region’s Women in Business Network’s executive organized a fashion show with local models and shop owners to collect funds for breast cancer research. From left to right: Diane Bérubé, ex-presiden; Joceline O’Byrne, secretary; Sheryl Toner, director’ Lily Durepos, president; Nadine Levesque, vice president; Jinny Soucy, director; and Carole Michaud, director. Absent: Sylvie Bellefleur, treasurer.

Heidi Cyr Photo

Twin models: Young twins, Olivier and Jasmine Blais modeled Tuff Kids’ fashions for a good cause.

Heidi Cyr Photo

Male fashion for a female cause: One of the few guys to model, André Parent strutted his stuff on the catwalk to collect funds to help with breast cancer research.

Heidi Cyr Photo

New trends: Kim Mulherin wore some of the newest trends to help with breast cancer research. Over $500 was collected.

Over 80 spectators got a glimpse of the latest fashion trends while getting information about breast cancer.

"I never thought I would walk my first Relay for Life diagnosed with breast cancer," Mariette Lafrance told the audience as she delivered an account of her story during the interlude of the fashion show. As a nurse, she recalled accompanying patients diagnosed with cancer, but she reacted in disbelief when she was diagnosed with breast cancer two days before her 50th birthday. "The hardest part was to look at the fear in my husband and children's eyes, for I was always the anchor of the family and I was sick," she said with tears streaming down her face. Lafrance, who is a breast cancer survivor, suggested to her audience to take care of themselves. "As mothers and wives we often take care of everyone first and we come in last on our list. My message is to put you first and take good care of yourselves. Life is fragile and you must live in the present moment, for you can not change the past. You must live today, like it would be your last day."

Chantal Saucier, manager of the Northwestern District for the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick was thankful for the Grand Falls Region Women in Busniess Network's support. She explained that the funds collected during this activity will go to help local patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

"In our Edmundston office we offer funding for patients who need care elsewhere, wigs, turbans and prosthesis free of charge. The rest of the money goes for research and the numbers are encouraging, for survival rates for breast cancers patients is 90 per cent."

On top of organizing a fashion show for breast cancer, the Grand Falls Region's Women in Business Network members gather for about 10 activities per year. Their next activity will take place on May 5, where guest speaker, Dr Gilles Lapointe will speak about how to better take care of oneself.