Marci Houff founded Chic Awearness in 2013 with a group of concerned friends.
They wanted the charity event to celebrate and inspire those affected by ovarian cancer, and they are doing just that. They are “A Fashionable Fight for Ovarian Cancer Research” group of warriors.
Houff is a respected, kind, and caring woman changing how Nashville looks at cancer, specifically ovarian cancer. On September 20, Chic Awearness returns for its 11th annual fashion show as Nashville’s premier ovarian cancer fundraising event. Held at W Nashville, attendees can expect an evening of inspiration, positivity, fun, and, of course, incredible fashion. As the organization approaches its $1 million mark in fundraising, the money raised goes towards research initiatives as well as a mentoring program that partners survivors of ovarian cancer with women undergoing treatment. (chicawearness.org)
Nashville Lifestyles: What inspired you to become involved in this cause?
Marci Houff: When I moved to Nashville more than 10 years ago, I was disappointed to discover that there were no local awareness or fundraising activities for ovarian cancer. As a new, late-stage ovarian cancer survivor, I wanted women to know all about this deadly disease. I founded Chic Awearness in 2013 with a group of concerned friends.
NL: How are the necessary funds raised and utilized?
MH: We have fully funded three research grants, including the newest one spearheaded by Dr. Crosy Stone. This grant aims to make lifesaving chemotherapy available to many women who develop an allergic reaction to the treatment. This year’s event will raise over $1 million for research and awareness. Chic Awearness is also funding a new program at the Ingram Cancer Center called “Woman to Woman.”This program matches a newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patient with a mentor or “survivor” of the disease. This program is as rewarding to the mentor as it is comforting to the patient.
NL: Why is supporting this cause important and how is it vital to our community?
MH: It was important to us that our charity event celebrate and inspire those affected by ovarian cancer, impacted family members, and the caregiver community on the frontlines of ovarian cancer treatment. This has always been about impacting survivorship through philanthropy. Our event is spelled Chic Awearness by design. Each year, we showcase Nashville’s premier apparel retailers in a fashion show featuring models who are survivors, caregivers, doctors, nurses, and supporters of loved ones who lost their battle with ovarian cancer.
NL: Regarding philanthropy, who in your life has influenced you the most?
MH: Growing up, I watched my parents do small things for charities that mattered to them. Sometimes it was as simple as paying for a stranger’s meal.
NL: What inspires you to utilize your time, talents, and treasure to support nonprofits?
MH: As an ovarian cancer survivor, and considering the many wonderful women who did not, my desire to give has grown greater. I truly am one of the lucky ones!