The Omega Tau Zeta's fashion show Friday in Hitchcock Hall was about more than just clothes. The annual "Petal by Petal Ovarian Cancer Fashion Show" raised funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research.
"We wanted to raise more awareness about the seriousness of ovarian cancer, especially in the Asian community and we thought a fashion show would be a light way to do it," said Halim Yeo, a junior in psychology and philanthropy chair of Omega Tau Zeta, the first Asian-interest sorority in Ohio.
The "Petal by Petal Fashion Show" began seven years ago when the sorority's founding president's mother was diagnosed with the disease. The group is working with the Columbus Cancer Clinic to provide free ovarian cancer risk assessment, prevention and support services to uninsured Asian American women.
The models wore clothing from Au Moda, a women's boutique located in the South Campus Gateway, and were members of other sororities and fraternities and from Au Moda.
Unlike typical fashion shows, the "Petal by Petal" show only lasted 20 minutes and had speakers: Debra Richardson, a doctor in the school of medicine, and Julie Winland, member of the National Ovarion Coalition, who talked for the duration of the program about the symptoms and effects of ovarian cancer. Richardson gave a long list of statistics for ovarian cancer and stressed that the main symptoms are "pelvic and abdominal pain, bloating and feeling full easily."
Winland told the audience about her own battle with ovarian cancer and urged students to see a doctor regularly.
"I am a nurse and wife of a physician and still missed the signs. Make sure you always stop and listen to your body because ovarian cancer whispers," Winland said.
Some students enjoyed the show, but thought it could improve.
"This was unlike any other fashion show that I've been to since it was actually educational and informative, but the show needed more exciting and interactive speakers," said Jessica Lawrence, a senior in strategic communication.
Some of the top styles in the show were a poncho sweater dress, a black tank top with pleats at the bottom and a sleeveless white dress with a fur boa at the end.
Heather Wang, founder and owner of Au Moda, said she enjoyed doing the fashion show because she knows how hard it can be raising research funds.
"Before (I) opened the store, I worked in the genetics research lab and studied all kinds of cancers so I was glad when Omega Tau Zeta approached me," said Wang, who is a 2004 Ohio State graduate.
Omega Tau Zeta does not know how much money was raised but some members think the show made an impact.
"The fashion show is one of our group's most exciting events, and I think it really helped us maintain our trust fund for ovarian cancer research," Yeo said.
Heather Hope can be reached at hope.27@osu.edu.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
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David Kim Perry
posted 11/14/07 @ 10:33 AM EST
Solid story Heather. "Ovarian Cancer Awareness" is an important reality for many American women. Sympathy and prayer in these kinds of cases will have a long lasting effect too!
Jenaee Johnson
posted 10/13/08 @ 6:00 PM EST
Great story. I wish more schools and organizations would do fundraisers like these. Good cause and great fun.
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