Dana Morris is the new Miss August. This calendar girl isn't just smiling to be in the spotlight though. Her message of never taking life for granted is one of 10 stories being told through University Hospital's Portraits of Life.
The hospital features breast cancer survivors each year through the portrait series.
The women were featured guests and models at the hospital's annual Breast Cancer Survivor Dinner and fashion show, held Thursday at the North Augusta Community Center.
Morris is one of the youngest survivors, diagnosed in January 2008 at age 35.
"I did pageants when I was younger, so tonight took me back," Morris said after strutting her stuff in a pink sheath dress.
Morris said being a survivor put her in a special club.
"It's something that not everyone experiences," Morris said. "Tonight was a rally for them and chance to reunite."
Familiar faces included those that Morris befriended during chemotherapy last year.
When Morris was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, she leaned on her faith and was determined to be a positive example for others.
"You get up everyday and just know you are blessed," she said. "I wish everybody thought they had cancer for one day. It would change their lives."
Morris was told she had a fibroid cyst and was given an option of whether to pursue further treatment. Her decision to pursue more answers to her questions resulted in finding cancer in four of six lymphnodes.
"I was in the fight for my life," she said.
A board with thumbtacks helped Morris visually track her progress through 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 28 rounds of radiation.
Morris' fight, along with the other calendar girls, was shared during their time on the catwalk Thursday.
Morris' doctor and Sunday school teacher Randy Cooper was also on hand to share the triumphs of his patients Thursday evening.
"Dr. Cooper says 'Tomorrow might not ever come,'" Morris said. "I live every day like that. Your whole life changes and you want to do so much so you don't take it for granted."
Reach Julia Sellers at julia.sellers@northaugustatoday.com.
