Delhi-NCR, February 4, 2025: In an endeavour to create awareness around cancer and commemorate World Cancer Day, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, in collaboration with Pearl Academy, hosted a fashion show – ‘Together We Win’ to celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of cancer survivors.

The event featured cancer survivors who had fought and triumphed over the disease, walking the ramp as models to showcase their incredible resilience. In a moving gesture of unity and support, around 10 Oncologists from Fortis Gurgaon also joined the survivors on the ramp, highlighting the collaborative journey from diagnosis to recovery. The fashion show served as both a tribute to these warriors and an initiative to raise awareness about cancer, with World Cancer Day approaching on February 4.

Approximately 35 participants, including cancer survivors and medical professionals, graced the ramp. The show unfolded in three acts: “The Fight,” “The Healing,” and “The Victory.” “The Fight” featured bold designs representing the initial struggle, while “The Healing” portrayed renewal and recovery with softer, soothing aesthetics. “The Victory” celebrated triumph, showcasing vibrant styles to emphasize the joy and strength found in overcoming cancer. The students and faculty of Pearl Academy, India’s leading creative education institution, worked collaboratively to style the models, providing garment upscaling, hair, makeup, and accessories. The goal was to spotlight the strength, positivity, and unwavering spirit of cancer survivors while inspiring others facing similar battles.

Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, commented, “India faces a tough battle against cancer in the years ahead, and Fortis, as a leading healthcare service provider, is taking new steps to treat and provide the best care to cancer patients. Our cancer survivors are an inspiration, demonstrating that life after cancer is not just about surviving but about thriving with confidence and dignity. This fashion show is a celebration of strength, resilience, and hope. At Fortis Gurugram, we remain committed to providing not only world-class treatment but also emotional and psychological support to empower every patient on their journey. Today, we applaud their courage and their unwavering spirit.”

Aditi Srivastava, President of Pearl Academy, said, “Through this partnership, Pearl Academy and Fortis Gurugram not only created an unforgettable fashion experience but also leveraged the power of fashion to empower cancer survivors. The show underscored the importance of community, breaking stigmas around cancer, and sparking crucial conversations about resilience and recovery. Fashion is more than glamour-it is an intellectual and cultural force with the power to inspire change. ‘Together We Win’ is a testament to how creativity, compassion, and purpose can come together to make a real impact. As future industry leaders, our students must understand that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling, empowerment, and responsibility. Through initiatives like this, we reinforce the importance of our social responsibility, ensuring that fashion serves as a medium for advocacy, inclusivity, and social transformation. This show is not just about style—it is about strength, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.”

Alok Goenka, a cancer survivor who walked the ramp, reflected on his experience, saying, “I didn’t just fight cancer; I conquered my fears and rediscovered a zest for life that I thought was lost. This runway is my battlefield of victory, a place where fear and doubt are left behind.”

Seema Kumari, another survivor, shared her journey, “Hope is the light that guided me through the darkest times. It’s not just a feeling but a drive that pushes you to keep fighting, even when the odds seem insurmountable.”

Sanjay Dawar, a cancer survivor and passionate motorcyclist, shared, “Survival isn’t merely about continuing to live; it’s about thriving. Each day is a new ride, a chance to shift gears from merely existing to truly living with purpose and joy.”