The walk for people diagnosed with cancer can be long and full of tears, perseverance and only possible with support from loved ones.

The walk that 15 cancer survivors took on Saturday night was instead filled with swagger, style and triumph.

Aurora Medical Center’s third annual “Surviving with Style” fashion show gathered cancer survivors to celebrate their journeys with a trip down the makeshift catwalk at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s Student Center.

Proceeds from the show, and silent auction, go toward the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha, where Saturday’s models have been treated.

The models wowed the crowd with their outfits — which ranged from sparkling to suave and were donated by local retailers — and strutted and danced to their musical selections. The crowd left their seats and clapped their hands often during the show.

But the stories of survivors took center stage on Saturday night.

Alia Scott, the night’s youngest model at 7 years old, was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago. She stayed strong during her treatments and smiled as she modeled to “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, one of Scott’s idols.

Scott, who refused to wear a hat during her most difficult treatments, was happy to take the stage herself.

“It’s about modeling and having fun,” Scott said.

The importance of family also rang true throughout the night.

Sisters Karen Scuffham of Kenosha and Terry Prudik of Twin Lakes shared the stage, and a hula hoop, during their runway walk set to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Three years ago the sisters were diagnosed with breast cancer within weeks of each other.

The sisters are thankful for the support they found in their families and each other. And they were happy to show off their joy on stage.

“It’s fun to get together with everyone who has had the same experiences you have,” Prudik said. “It’s nice to see everyone who helped care for you in a different environment.”

Lytosha Garrison of Round Lake, Ill., survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma 11 years ago, after being told she had one month to live. Her mother, Carolyn Reynolds of Kenosha, overcame breast cancer one year ago.

“It shows we are fighters,” Reynolds said.

Saturday was also about making the most of life.

Gordon Joynt of Racine strutted in biker gear, just six months after facing down prostate cancer. Joynt said he took every day step by step, but was thankful for the opportunity he has.

“You realize it’s not the end of the world, and there are always brighter things,” Joynt said.

The fashion show ended with throat cancer survivor Patrick Ryan leading all of the night’s models around the stage to the tune “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger before a rendition of “Unforgettable” serenaded the 15 survivors as they took their much-deserved victory lap.