A group of stakeholders in the creative industry have come together to hold a show dubbed Fashion United Against Breast Cancer, in aid of one of the country’s established model, Niffat Lokosang.
The 28-year-old was in December 2015 diagnosed with Hyperprolactinemia, a non-cancerous tumor that grows in the brain and if not treated earlier, can cause cancer.
Doctors have expressed that she is at high risk of the tumor becoming cancerous due to breast leakage that she has been experiencing.
She has been having these symptoms for over six months and is currently on general treatment. Doctors however, have advised her to seek treatment in South Africa.
Lokosang said the tumor can be treated surgically or through radiotherapy adding that she needs about K2 million ($2 747) for both travel and treatment.
“I am in total disbelief and shock as I never expected these amazing people to come to my aid. I feel blessed and loved to see how they all have come together to be there for me and support me,” she said.
She said her family which lives in Sudan has not managed to raise the money but “they are trying to help me but it might take longer and I am desperate. I need help that’s why I have come out for that help.”
Apart from fundraising, the event seeks to promote breast cancer awareness, which Niffat is ready to be amongst the drivers.
“When everything is done, I will very much be on the runway doing what I love most. I will definitely be able to help in promoting breast cancer awareness,” she said.
Fashion shall go wild on August 6 as designers like Lilly Alfonso of LA, Nellie Donga of Nell’s secret possessions, Felicia of Nyasa Brands, Fawzia Osman of Mkanda accessories, Clement Sato of Za Clemoh, Lulu Mhango of Mis Pearl and models that are Niffat’s friends will come together.
The model who started her career in 2008, has walked for all the designers showcasing at the event apart from for many photoshoots and advertising campaigns. She has also walked the runway for FAME, Credo Events, Tshwane Fashion week in South Africa among others.
There will also be performances from Tay Grin, Kwame Bandawe, deputy mayor of Lilongwe, Sawako Nevin, EmmQ, Kell Kay and Gwamba.
Other activities at the event will include a raffle draw, photo booth stall, cake sale and poetry.
“I’ve known Niffat on a personal and professional level. Throughout the time I have known her to be dedicated to her modelling career and everything she puts her heart to. Just like they say strong women wear their pain like they do their stilettos.
“No matter how much it hurts all you see is the beauty. It’s with no doubt that Niffat throughout the time that she has been sick wore her pain like stilettos. Perhaps that’s where she gets her strength from,” said Fawzia Osman of Mkanda Accessories.
Tickets for the event are available at Koko Bean café; inside Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Divalicious shop at City Mall, Lilly Alfonso Studio at Game complex.
