Nadaline Matos, a 19-year-old cancer survivor, recently had an extraordinary experience at New York Fashion Week, marking a significant milestone in her remarkable journey. After overcoming a battle with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer diagnosed just before her senior year of high school, Matos found herself walking the runway alongside the latest trends and fashion luminaries.
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Her invitation to attend the prestigious event came from designer Cyril Verdavainne, who not only welcomed her to his show but also offered to create a bespoke dress specifically for her. Matos expressed her excitement about being included, stating, “Honestly, it felt like where I should be.” The experience served as a poignant reminder of her resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Matos’s ordeal began at 17, when she was diagnosed with cancer. This life-altering news disrupted what was supposed to be a celebratory time filled with fond memories of her final year at school. The challenges did not end with the diagnosis; during her treatment, her family, consisting of seven members, faced financial strain as they navigated the complexities of hospital stays and surgeries on a single income.
Despite the hurdles of her health journey, Matos demonstrated remarkable determination. She successfully graduated from high school, attended her prom, and triumphantly rang the bell that signified the end of her cancer treatment. During this challenging time, she found support through the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, a non-profit organisation dedicated to assisting families impacted by childhood cancer with financial and emotional challenges.
Meeting Cyril Verdavainne while working with the Fund presented Matos with an unexpected opportunity to connect her passion for fashion with her personal journey. On September 10, she attended Verdavainne’s spring/summer 2027 show, held at Cipriani in Manhattan’s Financial District. During the show, Matos and Verdavainne began to discuss her custom dress design. The designer asked her preferences, to which she pointed out a striking blue and yellow gown. “I told him I would really love a dress with yellow, especially because yellow has become my favourite,” she explained to PEOPLE.
The colour yellow holds special significance for Matos, as it represents the cancer awareness ribbon and has taken on a new meaning in her life following her battle with illness. Once she provides her measurements, Verdavainne will begin sketching her personalised dress, an exciting prospect for this young fashion enthusiast.
Matos has long had a passion for fashion, but her health struggles made embracing it a complex journey. She recalls her uncertainty about attending prom due to fluctuations in her weight caused by medication. However, after losing the excess weight, she was able to fit into her prom dress, a moment that contributed to her sense of triumph. This victory continued as she walked at her graduation ceremony, an event particularly meaningful to her, thanks to the support of her school’s administration and counselors.
Reflecting on her graduation, Matos shared how crucial this moment was for her after a year filled with challenges. “That’s all I wanted to do, go to prom and graduate,” she remarked, candidly expressing the gratitude she felt towards those who rallied to support her during her educational journey.
Celebrating the conclusion of her treatment in October, Matos rang the cancer bell, an emotional milestone that represented the release of a burdensome weight. “I didn’t think at one point that I would be able to get through it,” she reflected. The ceremony included her family and the supportive hospital staff, many of whom became a vital part of her journey.
Looking ahead, Matos has set her sights on a career as an ultrasound technician. Her time spent in hospital brought her admiration for the medical professionals who aided her recovery. “While I was in the hospital, there was one day in particular when I was really sick, and the ultrasound technician came in and showed me everything, and I just got so fascinated,” she recounted.
As she contemplates her future, Matos remains open to exploring various fields within the medical profession, eager to learn and discover her true calling. With a spirit marked by resilience and optimism, her story serves as an inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit amidst life’s challenges.