The American Cancer Society’s Annual Celebration of Life Fashion Show takes place Friday, April 14^th in Monterey. All of the models on the runway are local cancer survivors willing to share their cancer journey to inspire others and create awareness in the community.

Among those taking part in the Celebration of Life Fashion Show is first time model Jette Tankersley Everett. Jette was born and raised in the Salinas Valley and in July 2021, was diagnosed with stage 3 nodular melanoma. A week later, she got married to her fiancé of more than a year.

“Cancer has a way of reminding you that life is too short to put off living it,” says Jette Tankersley Everett, cancer survivor and Celebration of Life fashion model. “Every cancer journey is different. Fortunately, there have been a lot of advances in treatment.”

Advancing treatments and supporting cancer patients is fundamental to the mission of the American Cancer Society. The 29th annual Celebration of Life Fashion Show ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll” includes an extensive silent auction, raffle and luncheon. Community support provides funding for research, education, advocacy and patient services. Since its inception, the afternoon gala event has raised more than two million dollars. 

The unique Monterey County fundraiser features 32 local cancer survivors modeling spring fashions from area boutiques. During the event, guests will hear inspirational stories from survivors, and supporters and how the American Cancer Society is leading groundbreaking research for a cure.

The American Cancer Society has published Cancer Facts & Figures every year since 1951. According to the report a little more than 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year. Approximately 609,600 deaths from cancer in the US are expected to take place in 2023, which is about 1,670 deaths each day. These widely cited projections serve as a basis for research, which is known to save lives with millions of Americans celebrating a birthday this year, thanks in part to the efforts by the American Cancer Society.

The 29th annual Celebration of life Fashion show takes place Friday, April 14th at the Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey. Doors open at 10am for a reception and silent auction bidding. The program including the fashion show and luncheon takes place from noon-2:30pm. You can find more information and purchase tickets at www.acscelebration.org.