In 2023, Sangita Patel’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. What could have been a purely personal battle quickly transformed into a mission to raise awareness and support others navigating their own cancer journeys. Now, as an advocate, Patel is taking center stage at this year’s Cashmere Collection event, sitting in the ‘Front Row for the Cause’ alongside 20 cancer survivors. With this year’s theme, “Bloom,” celebrating resilience and transformation. Join us as we interview her below:
image provided by: Cashmere Collection
Your thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2023 was a life-changing moment. How did that experience inspire your advocacy, particularly during this year’s Cashmere Collection event?
I love what Cashmere has been doing over the years to raise awareness about breast cancer through their collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society. When I was diagnosed in 2023, it came as a complete surprise. Since then, I’ve wanted to use my voice to support others going through this life-changing experience. Whatever type of cancer a person may have, there is a journey they will face, physically and mentally. And through it all, hope is key.
This year’s Cashmere Collection theme, “Bloom,” celebrates the resilience and strength of breast cancer survivors. What does that theme mean to you, and how does it resonate with your journey?
Bloom to me means transformation. When you go through such an experience in your 40s, it changes you, it changes your perspective on life, and makes you realise life is precious. Live it.
You’ll be sitting in the ‘Front Row for the Cause’ alongside 20 cancer survivors. What message do you hope to share with Canadians through your involvement?
This will be an emotional and momentous moment. What it will mean to me to meet all these women who been through the cancer journey, like I have. I can’t wait to hug them. 20 precious hugs.
The Cashmere Collection brings fashion and philanthropy together in a unique way. Why do you believe events like this are so important in raising both funds and awareness for cancer causes?
The Cashmere Collection has been supporting the breast cancer cause for over two decades and remains a highly anticipated event. By combining creativity with purpose, it effectively raises awareness in a powerful way. Fashion captures attention and creates an emotional connection, making it the perfect platform to spotlight important causes such as breast cancer and create a lasting impact.
This year, the event is more interactive than ever with live-stream voting and in-person attendance. What impact do you hope comes from this increased engagement in supporting cancer awareness and prevention?
I hope this year’s show will inspire all Canadians to take action, spread the message, and support the fight against cancer in ways they haven’t before.
What advice would you give to Canadians currently facing their own cancer journeys, and how can they find strength and resilience in community-driven initiatives like the Cashmere Collection?
Always have hope, find the joy in the chaos. Find positivity — that will resonate in your body.
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