Courage & Couture: ‘Surviving with Style’ Fashion Show & Gala celebrates cancer survivors

As the Surviving with Style Fashion Show & Gala reaches its 27th year, Cancer Pathways is preparing to host another inspiring evening, spotlighting the stories of resilience, hope, and courage from cancer survivors.

Happening October 19 at The Westin Seattle, this year’s event promises to be a heartwarming celebration of survivorship. There’s still time left to secure your tickets before sales end on October 16.

Founded by Anna Gottlieb in 2001, Cancer Pathways has created a unique event that intertwines fashion with personal stories. The Surviving with Style Fashion Show is more than just a runway event—it’s an emotional, empowering experience where survivors all of ages have the opportunity to shine.

When asked about the inspiration behind this event, Gottlieb explained, “I wanted to create something that embodied what we do at Cancer Pathways—ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. This event gives survivors a chance to share their stories in a powerful way, embracing their strength and showing the world what resilience truly looks like.”

From its beginnings with 20 models and 400 attendees, the show has grown into a major community celebration. It now attracts hundreds of supporters each year, all gathering to witness this powerful intersection of fashion and personal storytelling. To date, over 650 survivors have graced the runway, each sharing a unique journey of strength.

For the models, the experience is transformative. Gottlieb shares that for many survivors, walking the runway is not just about fashion—it’s about reclaiming their identity after cancer. “It’s an emotionally uplifting and empowering experience,” she said. “Survivors go from being patients to powerful role models, showing that they are more than their diagnosis.”

One of the event’s most unforgettable moments involved a male model who had never openly discussed his cancer before. Gottlieb recalls how he described the experience: “When he walked down the runway, his life flashed before him—it was all about cancer. But on the way back, he said he felt his life truly begin again.”

The fashion show provides survivors with professional styling from top designers and a glam team, creating an unforgettable red carpet experience. “Our designers work closely with each model to create an outfit that truly reflects their personality,” Gottlieb explains. “It’s not just about the clothes—it’s about their story.”

These designer collaborations range from luxury brands like Nordstrom to smaller boutiques. Annie Fisher Salon has supported the event for over 15 years, making sure that no model leaves the glam room without feeling their absolute best. For many survivors, the experience of being pampered and celebrated is a rare opportunity to feel glamorous after facing the physical toll of cancer treatment.

The Surviving with Style Fashion Show has a deeply personal impact on attendees, as well. Guests are treated to an evening of emotional stories, laughter, and celebration. “Expect to be inspired, moved, and uplifted,” says Gottlieb. “Bring tissues, but also be ready to cheer as each model takes their triumphant walk.”

The event also serves a larger purpose, connecting back to Cancer Pathways’ broader mission of providing support, education, and hope to anyone affected by cancer. This one-night gala is part of a larger healing process for many survivors, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the runway.

For those attending for the first time, Gottlieb offers this advice: “Come ready to feel an enormous sense of connection. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll walk away inspired by the incredible strength of these survivors.”

With a vision for the future, Gottlieb hopes to continue growing the Surviving with Style Fashion Show while ensuring that survivors know they are never alone. “Cancer isn’t going anywhere, but neither are we,” she says. “We want to make sure that every survivor knows they have a community of support.”

The Surviving with Style Fashion Show & Gala is an event you don’t want to miss—a night filled with inspiration, empowerment, and celebration. To register for the event, go here.

Kate Neidigh is a writer for Seattle Refined, covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, real estate, gift guides and feature stories. See more of her work on Instagram here.