UVM Cancer Center to Host Second Annual ‘Infusion Fashions: A Chemo Gown Extravaganza’

South Burlington, VT – Creativity and community will be in high fashion this April, when dozens of oncology and infusion nurses and some cancer patients from University of Vermont Cancer Center take the stage at Higher Ground Ballroom as part of Infusion Fashions: A Chemo Gown Extravaganza.

The event, which will be held from 5-9 pm on Saturday, April 12 at Higher Ground Ballroom, 1214 Williston Road, South Burlington, is the brainchild of Louise Friedeborn, RN, an oncology nurse at UVM Cancer Center. It brings nurses, patients and members of the community together to raise awareness and funding to support cancer patients and their families.

Participants walk the runway to a song of their choosing while wearing unique garments designed using the blue gowns worn by nurses as they administer chemotherapy treatments. The event also includes a 50-50 raffle and silent auction. Organizers say they hope to raise $10,000 to support cancer patients and their families in Vermont.

“There is so much stress around cancer and cancer treatment. This is a way of showing the joy and beauty and love we have toward each other in this community,” said Leslie Twichell, RN, a nurse manager at UVM Cancer Center and event participant. “It’s also an open invitation to the community to see the great work we’re doing at the Cancer Center.”

Friedeborn’s idea came from the playful comments made by patients, who often joke with their nurses about “getting dressed up” to see them. She presented the idea to the American Cancer Society in 2023 and last year UVM Cancer Center held its first-ever Chemo Gown Extravaganza, which included runway walks by 30 nurses and raised $6,200. More than 300 people attended the event. Proceeds benefited Hope Lodge and Road to Recovery, a program that provides transportation to treatment for cancer patients in Vermont.

“People on active treatment showed up; people who had finished treatment – it was amazing,” said Friedeborn, who organizes the event. “Patients felt so supported and proud to be a part of this community of survivorship. It was joyful and spirited and let them forget about everything and see the nurses in a different way.”

This year’s Extravaganza has grown, with 35 nurses participating in the chemo gown fashion show, including some mother-daughter pairs. Some UVM Cancer Center patients are also participating, Friedeborn said, adding that she’s thrilled by the outpouring of support and enthusiasm surrounding the event.

“It’s just a great evening – I can’t even describe it,” said Friedeborn. “I’m really proud of the support and the other nurses helping put this together. Nurses are very nervous to go out on stage and do this, but they’re doing it for their patients.”

Tickets for the show are $30 in advance or $40 on the day of the event.

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