CHICAGO — October 13, 2026 — As advances in breast cancer care help more patients live longer, City of Hope® Cancer Center Chicago, the area’s only cancer-focused hospital and part of tone of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, is teaming up with Chicago Fashion Icon Barbara Bates to celebrate local breast cancer survivors and highlighting the need for long-term support to help them live fuller, healthier lives after diagnosis.
On Tuesday, October 27, City of Hope Chicago will host Pink for a Purpose: Beyond the Runway at Sarabande Chicago (2726 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, IL 60618) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central to the evening’s festivities will be a runway show featuring curated looks created by Bates, who counts beating cancer amongst her many accomplishments. Fresh off her recent showing at the Obama Center, Bates will outfit a selection of models.
Hosted by CBS2’s Sabrina Franza, Pink for a Purpose will feature City of Hope Chicago breast cancer survivors and special guests who are also breast cancer survivors from across the Chicago community as models, including WGN-TV anchor Dina Bair and retired ABC7 traffic anchor Roz Varon. In addition, there will be exclusive shopping opportunities with top-tier vendors, a drawing with proceeds supporting City of Hope’s mission to eliminate cancer and transform lives, and amazing appetizers and signature cocktails.
“When I was diagnosed in 2009, I never wanted breast cancer to define me but rather looked for ways to turn the experience into an opportunity for advocacy and action,” said Bates. “Pink for a Purpose from City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago will give cancer survivors a chance to walk the runway and add another unique chapter to their story.”
Following the fashion show, each patient will be presented with a custom-made pink City of Hope bomber jackets from the hospital. The jackets commemorate everyone’s journey and celebrate October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, and will be given by doctors, Bates and City of Hope leaders.
There are more than 4.3 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., many of whom are balancing families and careers with physical, emotional, financial and social challenges that can occur long after treatment ends. With breast cancer rates rising about 1% every year, these challenges are expected to become increasingly prevalent.
“As breast cancer survival rates increase, we are reminded of what can be achieved through advances in research, early detection, and access to high-quality care,” stated Pete Govorchin, president of City of Hope Chicago. “Our mission continues to be to provide world-class, specialized care so survivors can live their best life through every stage of their journey.”
For more information on the fashion show, to donate to and support City of Hope’s mission to eliminate cancer and transform lives or to learn about scheduling a mammogram, please visit COHRunway.eventbrite.com.
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About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.