Children's Cancer Network hosts annual fashion show and auction fundraiser

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Don't let the runway fool you, these kids are more than cute faces; they're role models of how to carry yourself when life throws a major curveball like cancer.

Just ask soon to be 18-year-old Ashton Gundlach, a two-time cancer survivor who says the toughest challenge he faced was not being able to be active.

"Probably the biggest thing that got me down was not being able to play with my brothers like I used to and roughhouse because I was too tired or too sore. I didn't have the capacity to do that," said Gundlach.

Gundlach says he couldn't have made it through his cancer journey without his family and the Children's Cancer Network. The organization serves more than 650 families effected by childhood cancer every year.

Patti Luttrell, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Children's Cancer Network says that's why events like their annual fashion show and auction are so important.

"It's a celebration of the family and a chance to really bring awareness to childhood cancer," Luttrell said.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from Sunday will go to helping families effected with expenses that can slip through the cracks like gas and grocery money. This is so families can focus on their loved one getting back to health.

Gundlach adds that his best piece of advice is to never give up.

"Life will get back to normal. Just keep pushing and fight through it because you can beat it," Gundlach said.

This year's theme was Masquerade.