model behavior

Young MD Anderson patients rock the runway with a robot at inspiring back-to-school fashion show

Families taking advantage of tax-free weekend specials at the Galleria Mall had a chance to see MD Anderson patients, siblings, and caregivers own the runway at the annual back to school fashion show hosted by MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital and The Galleria.

MD Anderson children and teens joined Page Parkes models, sporting the latest fashions from Crazy 8, Pure, Athleta, Francesca’s, Gymboree, Vera Bradley, Banana Republic, Buckle, Trina Turk, Robert Graham, Topshop, and Macy’s.

Courtney Zavala, co-host of KPRC’s Houston Life, and emcee for the event, was joined by Dr. Wykesha Hayes, who coordinates school program services for patients being treated at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.

This year, 12-year-old Kaylyn White, an MD Anderson stem cell transplant patient had a chance to walk the runway from her hospital bed by using one of MD Anderson’s robots. Kaylyn, a fashionista, who enjoys fashion, art, and science, was able to see through the robot’s camera to guide her down the runway. The robot’s movements were controlled by Kaylyn through software loaded on a laptop. The crowd cheered and waved to Kaylyn through the robot’s screen as the robot made its debut styled in Banana Republic accessories.

This was both Kaylyn and the robot’s first fashion show: “It was really cool to participate in the fashion show using the robot,” says Kaylyn. “I had fun.” The robots are part of patient support programs offered at MD Anderson’s K-12 private accredited school, and are primarily used for patients on isolation or those who are too sick to attend activities and school.

“Being fashionable at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital is about staying ahead of the curve in medical and support services care,” says Hayes. “Our robot program is one of many innovative opportunities that ensures our patients are able to thrive in style despite treatment.”

The fashion show special guests in attendance included patients and families, MD Anderson’s Dr. Richard Gorlick, chair and division head of Pediatrics; Dr. Wykesha Hayes; Mary Kathryn Cooper; Janet McCloskey; Krista Frederick; Katrina Burton; Brette Peyton; Stephanie Cheves; Theda Williams; Kimberly Young-Jenkins; Javier Espinal; and The Galleria’s Christopher Lane and Marichu Ricablanca.

E.J. Unegbu, Abigail Unegbu, Naomi Unegbu, and Daniel Unegbu.

E.J. Unegbu with Abigail Naomi and Daniel

Photo by Dave Ross

E.J. Unegbu, Abigail Unegbu, Naomi Unegbu, and Daniel Unegbu.

families kids

Stepping Up

RodeoHouston teams up with Texas bootmaker for limited edition collab

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Lane Boots

Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

Each part of the boots ties back to the key elements of the HLSR.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) concert lineup has been announced, and concert tickets have gone on sale, which can only mean one thing – it is time to get rodeo ready. For 20 days in March, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is taking over the NRG Stadium complex, where Houstonians will display their best Western-inspired attire.

This year, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo collaborated with popular Texas-based brand Lane Boots on a one-of-a-kind limited edition collection. Muffy King, director of marketing for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, designed the boots with help from a team of experts at Lane Boots. Together, they looked at what is trending in existing boot designs and the fashion industry as a whole to come up with a unique look.

"It was important to us that the boot meant to celebrate the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo be representative of the 'Cowboy Core' aesthetic that is a major influence in fashion right now. These fundamental choices were a natural way for us to incorporate and represent our mission-driven pillar – Western Heritage," King tells CultureMap.

Each part of the boots ties back to the key elements of HLSR. The round braid on the sides represents the ropes used in competitions. The starburst effect around the star and the state of Texas symbolizes the lights on the RodeoHouston stage. The Texas on the back of the boot highlights HLSR's focus on supporting education in the Lone Star State. Departing from Lane's recognizable blue-soled boots, these feature a distinct orange sole with the HLSR logo stamped on the bottom, reflecting the branding seen across Texas ranches.

With designs for both men and women, the boots are exclusively available online. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

"We wanted to showcase the unique feature Lane has become known for in Western fashion, but with our own Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo flare," said King. "For both the Rodeo and Lane Boots, this was a real testament to the partnership and collaboration that took place to make these boots a reality."

The boots were released online earlier this month, and according to King, they are "flying off the shelves quickly" and have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Lane Boots produced 2,025 pairs of boots at their factory in Leon, Mexico. Each pair has an individual stamp and a special message on the inside of the boot shaft.

"The story behind the boot naturally lends itself to being relatable to many individuals across all walks of life," King says. "It was a very seamless process that resulted in an aesthetic that allows whoever wearing them to incorporate their own story and personality into the boot."

With designs for both men and women, the boots are exclusively available online. If any inventory remains when the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo begins, they will be available at the Lane Boots location in NRG Center.

Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

Each part of the boots ties back to the key elements of the HLSR.

boots western wear western style rodeo houston