Vanessia Woo's daughter, Olivia, was diagnosed with a rare infant leukaemia just five weeks after birth. Years later, Vanessia herself faced Stage 3 breast cancer. Now, the resilient mother-daughter duo will walk the runway together at Singapore’s Fashion for Cancer event, shining a light on strength and hope.
- Olivia survived infantile acute lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosed at five weeks old.
- Vanessia was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2023 after caring for Olivia.
- Both will walk together in the Fashion for Cancer charity runway on August 29, 2026.
What happened
When Olivia was just five weeks old, she was diagnosed with infantile acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and aggressive blood cancer affecting babies under one year old. Her early months were spent in an isolation ward, undergoing intensive chemotherapy that caused severe side effects. Olivia’s mother, Vanessia Woo, took three years off work to care for her, enduring the emotional and physical demands of caring for a very sick newborn who could not yet eat solids.
In 2023, after years of focusing on her daughter's recovery, Vanessia received her own challenging diagnosis: Stage 3 breast cancer. This second battle brought her face to face with cancer from a different perspective. Now both mother and daughter are preparing to walk the runway at the annual Fashion for Cancer event in Singapore, a charity show that supports cancer research and patient care.
Why it feels good
The journey Vanessia and Olivia have shared demonstrates extraordinary resilience and hope amid hardship. Olivia’s survival and Vanessia’s determination to fight her own cancer highlight the strength found within families facing illness together. Their story shines a hopeful light for others experiencing similar battles, reminding us that recovery and renewed purpose are possible.
Participating in Fashion for Cancer allows them to transform their experience into a platform of empowerment and awareness. Walking the runway side by side not only celebrates their victories but also raises critical funds and attention for cancer research and patient support initiatives, spreading positivity and solidarity through fashion and community.
What to enjoy or watch next
Look forward to the Fashion for Cancer runway on August 29, 2026, where Vanessia and Olivia will be among many inspiring cancer survivors and patients sharing their stories through fashion. The event highlights the human side of cancer journeys and supports vital work towards improved treatments and care for patients.
Beyond the runway, following stories like Vanessia and Olivia’s reminds us to appreciate moments of strength in adversity and the power of support networks. Keep an eye on local cancer support initiatives and charity events that combine empathy with creativity to promote healing and hope in the community.