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
2016 proved to be a challenging year for Aline Bardakjian. After losing her loving father to a degenerative disease, and her warm and kind-hearted mother, Arlette, to aggressive metastatic breast cancer, she too was diagnosed with breast cancer after being placed into a high-risk program.
On a positive note, Aline says her mother unknowingly saved her life. Her routine mammogram didn’t detect any cancer – it was only detected on the MRI performed through the high-risk program. If it wasn’t for Arlette’s diagnosis and passing, doctors wouldn’t have caught Aline’s cancer as early as they did.
A bittersweet ending to cruel beginnings; Aline has now been cancer-free for seven years. Aline remembers her incredible mother, who she is walking the runway in memory of, saying, “My mother would have been the first person to get dressed up with her friends in support of a great cause.” This is why Aline decided to join the Well-Dressed committee and become a model.
Arlette was not only a loving mother, but an incredible grandmother to Aline’s sons, Adam and Noah. Noah will be joining Aline on the runway as a tribute to his “amazing” grandmother who he misses dearly.
At the time of her cancer journey, Aline wasn’t aware of Wellspring’s support services and programs, and wish she had known. She says she would have loved to participate in the Exercise and Nourish programs. She understands the importance of Wellspring and dedicates much of her time to spreading the word so others on a similar journey can receive the vital care and support they need.
Aline (pictured above with her son Noah) is walking in this Wellspring’s 2024 Well Dressed for Spring event.
