From Recovery to the Runway: Supporting Survivors at Couture for Cancer

Couture for Cancer is more than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of strength and resilience that honors women cancer survivors while raising funds for the American Cancer Society. A portion of the funds raised also helps provide transportation services for local patients.

A Partnership Rooted in Community

Stormont Vail Health has supported Couture for Cancer since the event’s inception through sponsorship and volunteerism.

“We are so lucky to have several staff members from Stormont Vail who volunteered,” said Stephanie Weiter, Associate Director of Development for the American Cancer Society, North Region. “They are instrumental to the success of our events. We couldn’t do the work we do without them!”

For Robin McKay, Advanced Practice Provider Manager, Medical Sub-Specialties and Survivorship Program Director at the Stormont Vail Health Cancer Center, Couture for Cancer has been a passion for more than a decade. A longtime planning committee member and past chair, McKay describes the event as deeply personal.

“Couture has always been very near to my heart—women supporting women—as a powerful time for survivors to shine,” she said. “Seeing women step out of their comfort zones and celebrate their strength is incredible.”

One of her most meaningful moments came in 2022, when she watched her mother walk the runway as a cancer survivor.

Supporting Survivors Behind the Scenes

For many participants the event represents an important milestone. This year’s runway show included Stormont Vail team members who shared their survivorship journeys in a meaningful way.

Stormont Vail team members Kristin Bieling (Flint Hills Campus Registration Services Supervisor) and Kristyn Brown (Stormont Vail Health Cancer Center Medical Assistant) participated as cancer survivors and warriors.

They were supported by colleagues and physicians, including Dr. Mehmood Hashmi, hematology and oncology specialist, reflecting the shared commitment and compassion that define the event.

While some team members took the runway, others supported survivors behind the scenes.

Tiffany Criss, Medical Imaging Data Specialist at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, helped with styling and preparation for the runway. As a cancer survivor herself, the experience held special meaning.

“Being a part of the Couture for Cancer event is truly inspiring and special to me as a cancer survivor,” Criss said. “It’s an honor to help these women celebrate life, strength, and resilience during such a powerful event.”

Yolanda Febles, Clinical Performance Analyst, volunteered as a makeup artist.

“It was an honor to hear the stories, celebrations, and trials of these women and help empower them to be seen and feel beautiful,” Febles said. She also noted the pride of seeing her colleagues participate as survivors and advocates, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and supporting one another within the organization and the broader

Care Beyond Our Walls

Through events like Couture for Cancer, Stormont Vail team members demonstrate care beyond the clinical setting while supporting survivors, strengthening community partnerships, and celebrating resilience in meaningful ways.