(Photo: Lyme youth models Briana Carraher, Josie Gaffney, and Drew Riggle take a break from their runway rehearsal on Saturday for the Lyme Light Fashion Show.)
Each year at the fashion show, some of the youth stories are shared as well as the fashions.
This year actress and producer Amy Tiehel has volunteered her time to work with students at Montgomery County Community College to film and produce snappy videos of some of the youth models’ stories told in their own words.
These videos (about two minutes each) will debut at the fashion show between fashion lines. MontCoLyme’s award-winning educational booth will also supply resources and information.
Alexandria Hilfiger and Nary Manivong’s high fashion NAHM line will be showcased at this year's show. Alexandra is Tommy Hilfiger’s daughter who has suffered with Lyme disease. We are lucky to have up and coming Philadelphia designer Nicole Rae Styer present her styles; Nicole starts with vintage pieces and then redesigns them into something current for a very cool look.
The flavor of India will be evoked by designs from Rupalee. Also represented on the runway will be fashions from Banana Republic, El Quetzal of Chestnut Hill, Old Navy, and Insect Shield’s line of protective outdoor clothes.
Sen. Stewart Greenleaf and Rep. Kate Harper will both speak and share their concerns regarding Lyme disease in Pennsylvania. Julia Wagner, President of MontCoLyme, will impart important awareness and prevention information.
Pennsylvania is already #1 in Lyme cases in the United States, and this year Dr. Richard Ostfeld, Cory Institute of Ecosystem Studies, predicts a major surge in Lyme disease, warning that the northeast in particular should prepare for this expected increase.
Early recognition and treatment are vital. Lyme is not what you think – it is often misdiagnosed in youth as ADHD, behavioral disorders, learning disorders, or anxiety. The event is an important educational event for the general public, and an inspiring uplifting event for those currently challenged by these diseases. Come experience the hope-filled stories of youth and children affected by tick-borne diseases.
The fashion show will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Space at College Hall, Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pa. There will be a silent auction and raffle from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
For more information, visit the MontCoLyme website.