Breast Cancer Survivors Set to Model in Carlsbad Fashion Fundraiser

Just a few weeks after she started working at Tri-City Medical Center in 2006, Joy Melhado was diagnosed with breast cancer at the hospital. Now the 44-year-old breast cancer survivor will help raise funds for the latest in breast cancer screening technology for Tri-City by modeling in Tri-City Hospital Foundation’s second annual Fashion that Heals event on May 4 at the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa.

“It’s a blessing that I can participate in this knowing that I’ve survived breast cancer and am contributing to the Foundation raising money to be able to get technology so other women can be screened,” said Melhado, Tri-City’s clinical nurse manager.

The champagne luncheon and fashion show will feature local fashions modeled by Melhado as well as fellow breast cancer survivors and Tri-City employees. As part of the upcoming event, the Foundation awarded a fashion makeover to one of the hospital’s employees and Melhado was selected. On Thursday, the Oceanside mother of three chose two colorful dresses and cardigans from a variety of clothing donated by local mobile store Seaside Designs. Melhado, who usually wears dark clothing and pants, said she was excited to try a new look.

“After having breast cancer and going through all that, I am particular about what I wear and make sure my clothing fits properly,” Melhado said. “This is not something I would normally wear, but I will wear. It makes me feel comfortable and a little sexy!”

The owner of Seaside Designs, Kathleen Owen, brought a selection of red, purple, blue and green dresses, cardigans and blouses for Melhado to choose from. Owen said she saw a photo of Melhado in dark clothes and thought she would look “so awesome” in bright colors.

“The reason I wanted to get involved with this event is because I’ve seen so many women transform just from wearing a new outfit,” said Owen, who frequents the Oceanside Farmers Market every Thursday and will also be participating in the trunk show at Fashion that Heals. “Fashion really can heal. To feel good is to be happy, and happiness heals.”

Melhado agreed she has transformed since she discovered a pea-sized lump in her right breast during a self-exam, but her new look is just the latest step in her transformation process. She said she has worked hard to be healthy for her 16-year-old son and 8-year-old twins, who were born at Tri-City two years before she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I was devastated. I was in tears because I had two young babies at home,” she said. “I was 36. I wanted to be there to raise them.”

In addition to eight months of chemotherapy, Melhado had seven surgeries, including a mastectomy of her right breast and several reconstructive surgeries. Since then, Melhado has lost about 30 pounds and participated in four half-marathons, including the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon.

“It helps me feel good about myself to be able to accomplish that knowing what I’ve been through,” she said.

Having already participated in several Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events, Melhado is thrilled to model alongside her colleagues in Fashion that Heals and raise funds for the hospital that supported her through her diagnosis and treatment. Melhado returned to her job at Tri-City in 2008 because a number of her coworkers donated their vacation time through the hospital’s Helping Hands Program.

“A lot of people donated time to me because I just started here and I had two young babies. That was a blessing,” said Melhado, whose grandmother is also a breast cancer survivor and mother is a colon cancer survivor.

“I thought Fashion that Heals would be an awesome opportunity to participate because this cause is really important. What better way to give back?”

Fashion that Heals will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 4 at the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa, located at 1 Ponto Road. Tickets start at $100 and include a trunk show and champagne reception, followed by a luncheon and fashion show that will feature local fashion retailers, health and beauty tips as well as “Complete Makeover,” “What Not to Wear,” and “5 Essential Wardrobe Pieces All Women Should Have” presentations.

To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.tricityhospitalfoundation.org or call 760-940-3370.