On November 9th, in the sparkling glow of Chicago’s skyline, Compass to Care hosted our 8th annual fashion show. This year, our models were eight of the kids we support. Each child dressed in an outfit that represented what they want to be when they grow up. Mia chose to walk with her mom because she says that someday, she wants to be just like her.
Even though she’s only four-years-old, Mia seems born for the runway. Rocking a matching outfit with her mother, Manuela, Mia beamed and spun to the applause of the dozens in attendance. When Board Member Brian Greenblatt took a moment to talk about the mission of Compass to Care, Mia dashed to his side for an adorable curtain call. To anyone who witnessed her energy and spirit, it would come as a huge surprise that every seven to ten days, she travels 80 miles to receive treatment for Leukemia.
The event could not have been possible without the generosity of our donors, and the enthusiasm of our escorts. Gabriel – whose dream is to grow up to be Anthony Rizzo – got to walk down the runway with five players on the Northwestern baseball team in full uniform. Summer’s face lit up when she saw the scrubs and lab coat we picked out for her. She wants to be an OB/GYN nurse someday. Dominic, who loves animals, shared the runway with a real-life zookeeper from Lincoln Park Zoo!
For a few magical hours on November 9th, the kids were able to be whatever they wanted to be. While no one in attendance could forget that they were there to support childhood cancer patients, they also got to see the kids’ incredible personalities, their ideals and hopes for themselves. They got to see a dream for the future.
At Compass to Care, we promise to do everything in our power to protect that dream. The fashion show and included silent auction were a great success, raising vital funds that will directly go to kids like Mia, Gabriel, Summer, and Dominic. With your help, we have been able to keep Mia fighting for the day when she can become just like her mom.