Pink Warrior Angels
Group provides support for cancer patients and their families
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos by AMY ROGNLIE and courtesy of PINK WARRIOR ANGELS
When military spouse and civil servant Julie Moser was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she quickly learned that as scary as her diagnosis was, the mounting bills and financial uncertainty were almost as difficult to face.
“We are an active-duty middle-class family, so we didn’t qualify for any assistance,” Moser said. “I had to take a leave of absence for treatment, but my husband was still working. So, our kids couldn’t even get free/reduced breakfasts and lunches at school, and that gets expensive when you don’t have any money.”
Not one to sit back and feel sorry for herself, Moser got to work and created Pink Warrior Angels, a nonprofit designed to help others in her situation. Pink Warrior Angels offers support by paying bills for individuals in active treatment for any type of cancer, with preference given to Texas residents. Importantly, the financial assistance is not income-based, which allows those who are not working because of treatments an opportunity to receive tangible help.
“We look at everyone on a case-by-case basis,” Moser said. “We want to hear people’s stories and understand what is going on in their life and their families.”
Eleven-year-old Jordan Mitchell and her family are grateful recipients. Diagnosed in 2022 with high-risk leukemia, Jordan finally rang the bell, signifying the end of her treatment, in April.
Through it all, she had a smile on her face,” Jordan’s mom, Keri Mitchell, said. “But after Jordan was diagnosed, we were shocked to learn that though there are over 100 different childhood cancers, only about 4% of money donated to cancer organizations goes to treat children.”
Enter Pink Warrior Angels and its army of volunteers. One of the group’s biggest events of the year is the Runway of Hope Retreat and Gala, held at Knoxville Ranch in Waco. It begins with a two-day retreat for adult cancer survivors, which includes time to rest and relax while being pampered by volunteers. Participants are treated to home-cooked meals and can attend sessions to learn more about nutrition, exercise, the benefits of journaling and more.
“Sometimes we pull up chairs in a circle and just talk,” Moser said. “We want everyone to understand that they can be vulnerable. They don’t have to be strong. Living with cancer is a grieving process of sorts, and it’s OK to have bad days. Our goal is to create an environment of hope, strength and resilience by offering a safe and supportive space for cancer warriors to share their stories, learn from one another and connect with a community of care.”
The highlight of the weekend is the Runway of Hope Dinner & Show — an inspiring evening filled with fashion and music that celebrates the strength and courage of cancer warriors in the community. Through this event, Pink Warrior Angels not only creates awareness about the fight against cancer, but they honor and remember the legacy of loved ones they have lost to cancer while providing a platform for those affected to come together and find hope and strength in each other’s stories. To help the cancer models prepare, Pink Warrior Angels brings in Lolita Frazier of Strut Talk Runway Therapy. Frazier’s organization utilizes the art of runway walking as a form of empowerment to help people who are hurting strut through grief.
With her help, cancer survivors at the retreat strut through a 90-minute rehearsal, learning to walk confidently and boldly not only on the runway, but through their cancer journey.
“This is not just a fashion show,” Moser said. “Our models wear whatever makes them feel beautiful or handsome — whatever makes them shine. It’s more about everyone else at the end of the runway cheering them on. The love and support in the room is overwhelming.”
Moser recalled Libby Kimbel, who was diagnosed with bone cancer and had a lower-leg amputation in middle school. She was not supposed to live through high school.
“The first year Libby did Runway of Hope, she hid her leg. She wore a really long dress to cover her prosthesis,” Moser said. “Over the next couple of years, her dress got shorter and sassier. Now this year as a fully cured adult, she flaunted her leg with an Ariana Grande-inspired outfit and smile!”
Paul Kennedy, a prostate cancer survivor from Fort Worth was also a model at the most recent Runway of Hope. He has become a champion for raising money for others by competing in beard and mustache competitions. Kennedy learned about Pink Warrior Angels while participating in a benefit in Belton.
Vanessa Santiago, a breast cancer survivor, is another Pink Warrior Angels model who is giving back to the community in a big way.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Santiago chose alternative cancer treatments and remains a big proponent of that approach, even sending out free care packages of nutritional and holistic treatments to fellow cancer warriors. She has also started a Pink Warrior Angels Spanish-speaking support group in San Antonio, where she now lives.
“I would like people to understand that PWA is made up of 100% volunteers,” Moser said. “It’s not just Julie’s vision. People like Paul and Vanessa, along with everyone who helps all year long, are how we make a difference in others’ lives. … Together, we truly embody the spirit of love, support and unity that makes Central Texas such a remarkable place to live.”
Pink Warrior Angels
Website: https://pinkwarriorangels.org/
Facebook: Facebook.com/pinkwarriorangels/
Instagram: @pinkwarriorangelstx
