Presented by RBC Wealth Management, Wellspring’s Well Dressed for Spring is a fashion event like no other. Hosted by Canadian fashion icon Jeanne Beker on March 27, 2024, the evening features models who have been touched by cancer, either having been diagnosed themselves or as a caregiver to someone with cancer. For more info, visit: https://give.wellspring.ca/event/welldressed
Arbaiza is no stranger to the world of fashion. Originally from Malaysia, in 1993 she won the Miss Personality title during the Miss Malaysia/Universe pageant. Arbaiza was also a fashion designer, creating one-of-a-kind Malaysian traditional outfits with batik design and bead works. In 2017, Arbaiza and her family moved from the US to Canada to start a new life. Arbaiza has two children, Aiman and Alia. She also has a daughter-in-law, Hanisah, and her “partner in crime” and best friend, Abdul.
In 2022, after a routine mammogram, Arbaiza was shocked to learn about her stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis that had spread to her lymph nodes. “It was overwhelming. I’ve always been very proactive about my health, and suddenly I had cancer—the news was hard to absorb,” Arbaiza says.
Arbaiza says her 18-year old daughter Alia was her rock throughout her treatment, often taking her to hospital appointments and checkups. “I’m forever grateful to my children and Abdul. They all supported me when I needed it,” she recalls.
After multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Arbaiza is now cancer-free. However, recovery has proven to be harder than treatment, “I wanted to recover yesterday; I want to jump and do cardio, but I can’t. I have no stamina and I feel very weak,” she says.
Luckily for Arbaiza, she has joined Wellspring’s yoga and tai chi programs, helping her ease back into the fitness that she enjoys. She is grateful to Wellspring for the support during her journey to recovery.
Despite having gone through a tremendous ordeal, Arbaiza reminds herself daily of the importance of family and spreading kindness to others. She is walking for Well Dressed for Spring to support a great cause. “It’s a way for me to get back on my feet and to be in the world again.”
Arbaiza is walking in this Wellspring’s 2024 Well Dressed for Spring event.
