Introduction to a Special Event
A 12-year-old girl named Kirianna was one of the models at an event where people with serious illnesses and their families had the opportunity to walk the catwalk. The event, called "Strength in Style," was organized by Bath Abbey and aimed to promote and demonstrate what it means to "live with a serious illness."
The Purpose of the Event
The event brought together patients, doctors, and nurses to raise money for the Dorothy House Hospice Care, Children’s Hospice South West, and Cancer Charity. Kirianna participated in the event to show her support for these charities, which have helped her family. Her younger sister, Zeniah, has a rare genetic illness that causes mobility problems, seizures, and holes in her heart.
A Personal Story
Kirianna said, "It will be really cool because I can say to everyone that I did a catwalk show tomorrow when I go back to school tomorrow." She described life with her sister’s condition, saying, "Sometimes it can be difficult if [Zeniah] is in the hospital, but sometimes it can be good because they can do things that they would normally not do if they had no sister like mine." Her mother, Dana, added that the family often relies on the Charlton Farm Hospice in Fraxall, which is run by the Children’s Hospice South West.
The Importance of Support
Dana said, "Charlton Farm is always there. They are only there to take up all of you and keep things upright." Kirianna’s participation in the event was a way for her to be involved and help the charities that have supported her family. One of the organizers of the event, Lizzie Heffer, from the charity We Get It, said, "The models are all people who want to show how wonderful it is to live with joy, and they can do so with cancer and other life-limiting diseases."
Overcoming Challenges
Another model, Lucy, participated in the event for the second year. Last year, she took part just weeks after having a mastectomy. Lucy said, "If you often live with cancer, it comes with shame or I have been ashamed as if I was supposed to hide." She added, "It was important for me to take control of certain things that have happened in my life and to prove people and to prove to me that it will not beat me." The event was a celebration of strength and resilience, showing that people with serious illnesses can still live fulfilling lives.
