Reclaiming your confidence following cancer treatment is an important part of healing. Last month, eight breast cancer survivors flaunted their assets at the third edition of Europa Donna Malta’s Look Good Feel Good fashion show – something most of us would never dream of doing. Sarah Carabott asked participants Anna Zammit Demajo and Marisa Zahra what it takes to leap on the catwalk.

Anna Zammit Demajo steps forward on the catwalk for the first time. Photo: iCam Photography

“You hesitate a bit until you go out on the catwalk, but knowing your family and friends are waiting for you on the other side is all the support you need. Once you are out there you have fun, and one very good thing that came out of this experience is that I was reunited with Marisa,” Anna says, squeezing her friend’s shoulder.

Anna Zammit Demajo and Marisa Zahra went on their separate ways 20 years ago, but their paths crossed again when they both survived breast cancer.

Unlike Anna, who participated in the show for the first time, Marisa has taken part in the event from the first time it was held in 2011.

“Participating in the show is something big for me. It means I made it through another year. It means making more friends, and seeing more happy survivors. Every day for me is a gift from God,” says Marisa, 49, who has lost her cousin to breast cancer.

It’s part of the healing process for us and for our families

The aim of the Europa Donna fashion show is to demonstrate that a woman can still look good if she feels good, even though she is passing through the trauma of breast cancer.

The proceeds from the show go towards equipment donated to Boffa Hospital for patients receiving treatment. This year the show was dedicated to Anita Attard Brink who took part in the fashion show last year and passed away earlier this year.

Marisa Zahra has taken part in this event from the first time it was held in 2011. Photo: iCam Photography

“You meet women like you, who dress up, look good and feel good. It’s part of the healing process for us and for our families. I’m used to professional models taking part in shows for exposure and money.

“But this is different – these models are not taking part for the exposure or the money. They are happy they made it to the catwalk when they felt they would not regain their beauty,” Marisa says.

For Anna, 56, it was the first time she took part in a fashion show, but since she is a regular participant of events held by Europa Donna Malta, she accepted the invitation immediately.

On the night she surprised everyone when while strolling down the catwalk in a blue and white one-piece swimsuit, she pulled off her short-haired brown wig.

The tear-jerking gesture brought everyone to their feet and time stood still as her 19-year-old daughter Victoria ran up to her and hugged her tightly.

Anna had been contemplating whether to go out in her bathing costume without the wig, but when it was her turn, she opted for wig and all. It was only midway down the aisle that she suddenly beamed and held her wig up high.

She admits that exposing yourself with part of your body missing is the biggest challenge.

Anna, who underwent partial mastectomy some 10 years ago had to remove her right breast completely when the cancer re-emerged in October of last year. She is now undergoing herceptin treatment and has to wear breast prosthesis.

Marisa underwent partial mastectomy three years ago and is now waiting for reconstruction surgery.

The treatment they went through has changed their life, including the intimacy with their partners. It has also had an effect on their confidence, making it uncomfortable to even change in front of a mirror. And although when they go out of their front door they do not look any different from someone who has not undergone cancer treatment, they are “aware all the time”.

They admit that the swimwear show during the event was the most challenging. “Wearing swimwear is a big thing for us - it’s the most personal you can go,” Marisa notes.

Breast cancer survivors have to change their wardrobe, especially their summer clothing. And most of the time it is expensive to find adequate swimwear.

“Not every shop caters for us and every time you have to explain what you’ve gone through because not all salespeople really understand what you need,” she adds.

Marisa lost her job as a salesperson at a clothes shop when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo treatment. Lack of income made it even more difficult to keep up with the expenses of adequate clothing and wigs.

But she made the best out of her redundancy, and the fact that she could no longer take part in all fashion shows. Having always wanted to teach modelling, she is now setting up her own modelling class.

She has also made it a point to share her story with those who do not find support elsewhere. She admits however that “every story is different” and ultimately breast cancer survivors have to find their own way.

“It has to be you because no one knows you any better than yourself” she says.

According to the two women, coping with changes in your body brought by cancer treatment can be done in three steps: accepting the situation, finding ways to adapt and learn to live with the changes, and finally, never giving up.

“Once you accept it, you’re a step ahead and you can deal with the emotional and psychological side.

“I recall joking about my situation to help my own friends accept it. Before going for treatment, I would post on Facebook: ‘I’m going for a cocktail’, and then add ‘nobody gets a cocktail for free, except for me’. Once at the hospital I think positively and keep in mind that what I’m having is helping me,” Marisa says, admitting that the hardest part was losing her hair.

Anna notes that the first question she asked was whether she would lose her hair. Both women decided to shave their hair so they would not go through the trauma of seeing it fall in tufts.

“You will never be the same again, but your family keeps you going. Life is beautiful and you have to fight for it. Whatever the situation you are in, it is better to be here than not,” Marisa says, noting that since the ordeal she is appreciating the little things and trying out new adventures. Beaming, she notes that she has added “taking part in a reality show” to her to-do list.

Anna reiterates that things which used to upset her a lot, like breaking something precious or losing something, do not matter so much anymore.

Asked whether they will be taking part in next year’s fashion show, the two women pounce on me. “Definitely,” they say together.