SOUTH MILLS, Va. (WAVY) — Lots of girls dream of walking the runway, modeling designer gowns and being treated like a superstar. All of that happened for a 10-year-old girl from South Mills.
Kaylee Rios was whisked off to New York City to model for Kleinfeld Bridal – known to some as the “Say Yes To The Dress” bridal salon.
Kaylee was asked to model with Runway Heroes. They are a nonprofit organization that features children with cancer in fashion events. Kaylee has Stage 4 Neuroblastoma and has been fighting for almost eight years.
Kaylee and 29 other girls from around the country were selected to participate. Each got to pick out their dress, had their own dressing room, received a monogrammed robe, make up and photo session. Canadian model Coco Rocha taught them how to strut the catwalk and then, it was show time.
Each little hero was introduced by “Say Yes To The Dress” host Randy Fenoli as they walked and twirled down the runway in dresses from Kleinfeld’s. Kaylee had an amazing time and loved being pampered. Her mom, Darlene, says “It’s bittersweet to see the girls dressed up and made up in what may or may not be a once in a lifetime moment.”
Runway Heroes events raise money to help fund research projects in hopes of finding a cure for childhood cancer.
The show in New York just happened to fall during Kaylee’s 10th birthday week. So, she and her family celebrated at the Sugar Factory, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, FAO Schwarz and the Empire State Building.