Rusti Shields said she hopes Thursday’s Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon and Fashion Show will bring together everyone who attends.

“There is hope after being diagnosed after cancer; it’s not a death sentence,” she said. “Most of the public knows someone diagnosed with cancer or has had cancer. The fashion show is something that connects us all. It brings you closer to people.”

Shields, 46, a secretary with the city of Muskogee, was diagnosed in 2003 with stage two cancer and was treated. In July 2005, the cancer returned and she was diagnosed as stage four. Shields is now in treatment. She said there are common traits in those who have beaten cancer.

“Most people who are survivors have a sense of hope,” she said. “Most of them get that by believing in a higher power. It’s an experience that changes you; you don’t take every day for granted.”

This year’s fashion show takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at Arrowhead Mall. Proceeds will benefit Women Who Care.

Last year the event was sold out, so this year seating has been doubled. All models in the show are battling cancer or are breast cancer survivors and will be modeling the latest fall fashions from Dillard’s and Viva’s. Food will be a variety of sandwiches and desserts provided by local restaurants. Silent auction items are on display at Martha’s Market for early bidding.

Shields said she was hesitant last year when she was invited to be a model for the event.

“When they called me up I said no,” she said. “They said ‘Oh, yes you will.’ Andrea Mosteller hosted. She is so sweet that you can’t tell her no. Even though you hair is falling out and you’ve gained weight, you’re willing to do it.”

Shields said she has gotten an unexpected blessing from being involved with the show.

“The biggest thing last year was that I met people who are in the same situation as me,” she said. “It’s important to be connected to people who understand what you’re going through.”

Mosteller, co-creator of the event and a registered nurse who works at Oklahoma Oncology, said there will be about 20 models. Most have been hesitant at first, but warmed up to the idea.

“They’re actually kind of giddy,” she said. “When I ask them, they turn all pink and say ‘I can’t do that!’ I reassure them that they can do it.”

Mosteller hopes the event will have a positive effect on those who attend.

“Some women, and men too, are not aware of the importance of yearly mammograms,” she said. “When they see that our models are regular people, I hope they realize it could happen to anybody.”

Mosteller said that the real focus of the show is people, not a disease.