For all my fashionistas out there, I am excited to share my experience at Couture For A Cure 2016, where fashion meets fundraising. The star-studded event was held at the Van Andel Institute. Walking into the Institute turned runway show venue, every room and hall was filled with outstanding food, drinks, and decor to set the stage.


Guests were able to enter a chance auction for items like treatments from The Crown Jewel Spa & Salon, an Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Stay, and an ARTISTRY Skincare Gift Basket. All the proceeds from the event benefit the biomedical research and science education at Van Andel Institute.

As people started to make their way to their seats and the lights dimmed, out walked Carol Van Andel to introduce the guest of honor. Her name was Trina Taylor and she is a woman living with stage 4 colorectal cancer, but she is so much more. She is a mom, a model, and she is showing others how to live life to the fullest in the face of adversity. Trina was discovered when she posted a selfie to Facebook after chemotherapy took her hair. A lady named Luna Joachim saw her picture and asked if she would walk in her fashion shows. Trina went from cancer patient to international model and she now lives by the motto, “Make Memories on Purpose.” Trina continues to dedicate her life serving as a role model to her son and others going through unimaginable circumstances.





Trina opened the fashion show and from start to finish, it was nothing short of fabulous. I'm so happy that I was able to attend such a great event that supports an even greater cause.

Thanks,
Katie


* select photos found on Van Andel Institutes Facebook and shots taken by Brian Kelly Photography & Film