Breast cancer survivors celebrate life at appreciation dinner - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

Augusta, GA (WFXG) - This isn't your average New York fashion show, and these aren't your typical super models. But these women, and man, bravely take the runway as proud breast cancer survivors.

"I am here to celebrate life," said Charlene Pope, she's been a breast cancer survivor for 15 months. "I am here to be in fellowship with all these wonderful women who have gone through the same struggle that I have gone through. And just be thankful for being here today."

Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hundreds of survivors who've won their battle against the disease, dined at the 2012 Portraits of Life Breast Cancer diner; sharing stories of their struggle with those who can relate the most.

"My mother and grandmother were also breast cancer patients," said Judy Reddick. She's going on four years surviving the disease. "They both passed on from breast cancer, but for those of us who are here, we're honored to be here."

Celebrating their victory with friends, food and fashion, University Hospital showed their appreciation.

"Breast cancer is the number one cancer in women," said Pan Anderson, program coordinator for University Hospital's Breast Health Center. "It's the number one dreaded cancer in women, but it's also the number one cancer that can be survived so it's an honor to give the night to them to celebrate their life."

But women aren't the only ones who bear the burden of the disease.

"We all think about our mothers, our grandmothers, our sisters having breast cancer," said Cecil Herrin, who's been a breast cancer survivor since January. "You don't think about a man having breast cancer. And with us it's getting more common now."

Male or female, these survivors have a support system to cheer them on as they catwalk down the runway and through life.