Four determined young girls, each fighting cancer, showed a room full of supporters how strong they could be as they lit up the runway and modeled to music and cheers, Dec. 14. The fashion show, organized by Ladue Horton Watkins High School senior Brooke Hyman to benefit Friends of Kids with Cancer, raised over $13,000 through donations and a silent auction.

“It was the coolest night of my life,” Brooke said. “Standing on the runway and seeing my family, friends, and community come together to make a difference brought tears to my eyes. Although I am sure every event planner runs into ups and downs the day of the event, with the most incredible support team on hand to help, the event turned out amazing.”

Brooke convinced local businesses and business people to participate in the fundraiser, including Ambruster Great Hall in Clayton, which donated its venue; musician Dave Brandt; LeGrand Catering; Randall’s Wine and Spirits; Fitz’s Premium Root Beer; World Press Printing; Robbie Cassell, owner of Paul’z Burgerz & Dogz; Parties and Props, and Crazy Bowls and Wraps, among others. Many local boutiques donated dresses for the models, which incuded teenage girls and boys who walked the runway alongside the four young girls fighting cancer. The Laduettes dance team also spent countless hours helping Brooke setup and run the night.

One of the four girls with cancer, 6½-year-old Arianna Dougan, is also one of Brooke’s closest friends and helped inspire her to set up the show. The two met when their dads started working together. They bonded over fishing trips and other family gatherings, discovering the many common interests they share.

“Over the past three years, Ari and I have been able to spend more time together sharing our special interests such as dancing, shopping, and being girly girls,” Brooke said. “I’m inspired by Arianna and live for her favorite saying, ‘You can do anything you want, you just have to let your sparkle out.’”

Arianna and Brooke also connect in a way that goes deeper than their mutual passions. When the two are together, Brooke’s entire family says their bond is stronger than anyone can imagine, and Brooke says Arianna continues to teach her new things every day.

“What Ari and my other friend, Claire, who recently passed away from her battle with cancer, have taught me is that, ‘God gives us charms that can make a difference, and while he chooses them to be the ones to suffer, they are the ones that change the world,’” Brooke said.  “Arianna Dougan, at

6½ years old, has already changed the world, and she has changed me. I now know that I want to find a path in this world that will allow me to give back and help others.”

The Dec. 14 fundraiser was Brooke’s first step toward that future. She says that the support of her family and friends as well as her faith continues to motivate her to be the best person she can be.

“Being Jewish is such an important part of me. It is not about attending temple,” Brooke said. “To me, the underlying meaning of being Jewish is to understand where we came from, know that all Jews are family, and most importantly, to be kind to others. The two months of organizing the show were the busiest, most educational, best days of my life. My favorite part about the show was feeling the accomplishment of starting a new chapter in my life, and watching Arianna, Blair, Katie, and Cora forget about their cancer as they lit up on the runway.”

Brooke, along with all of the models involved that winter night, let their sparkle out. It was a memorable night for all who were involved.

“I had so much fun at the show admiring all of these beautiful girls,” Ladue high senior Karlyn Burton said. “It was so inspiring to see them light up on the runway and be themselves, and it was such a great cause to support.”

For Brooke, the meaning behind the night was much more than supporting a cause. Instead, she found a way to spread Arianna’s message, and to her, that is the greatest accomplishment of all.

“Arianna is one of the few that truly understands what life is all about,” Brooke said. “She was born to know that every second of your life counts, appreciate the little things, and stay positive because that’s all that matters. Yes, her cancer treatment, as powerful as it is, makes her feel poorly, but she doesn’t let that affect her mentality. As tragic as her cancer is to her, and everyone around her, it does have a silver lining: her presence causes people to forget their differences, love more, help more, and pray more, for those in need.”