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    A survivor's advice

    Lessons learned: Cancer gave Alexandra Knight another chance to live life tofullest

    Shelby Hodge
    Nov 22, 2012 | 10:00 am
    • Alexandra Knight with her sons Truett, 4, left and Thomson, 6.
      Courtesy photo
    • Brady and Alexandra Knight with Elaine and Fella Knight at the AmschwandSarcoma Cancer Foundation Catwalk for a Cure.
      Photo by © Roswitha Vogler/Photosbyrovo.com
    • Alexandra and Brady Knight with their sons Truett, left and Thomson.
      Courtesy photo

    When luxury handbag and accessories designer Alexandra Knight was preparing remarks for the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation's "Catwalk for a Cure" evening, she initially struggled with the words to tell her story of survival of a cancer which is so rare that it occurs in only one person in every million.

    This wife and mother of two young sons was diagnosed with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in 2011. Today, she is well and singularly moved guests in the ballroom of Hotel ZaZa to tears when she accepted the foundation's Survivor Award.

    Her words were moving, inspirational and instructional. As we reflect on our lives during this season of giving, CultureMap offers this excerpt from her remarks that had everyone in the ballroom re-examining his or her approach to life.

    What is the take home piece for you that I learned through having cancer that can influence you — without being diagnosed?

    It is this courage and vulnerability that gave me an amazing deeper connection with my friends and family. It developed new friendships and resurrected and strengthened old ones.

    Cancer was the vehicle that took me from one place to another. It was the big shift in my life. It was a silent manifesting tumor that was in my chest that went unnoticed for years. For me that tumor was a gift. A little tap on the shoulder that whispered in my ear to look all around me and not take my life for granted. It was another chance at living life.

    Cancer taught me so many things, but tonight I want to share with you my important three lessons.

    Lesson No. 1 Diagnosis was a crash course in courage

    I learned the courage to ask for help from friends, the courage to reach out and tell people that I was struggling mentally and physically. The courage to tell people that I was terrified it had spread to my lungs and that I would die. The courage to lean into the fear and grab my husband's hand and know that I was not alone and that we could do this together.

    It is this courage and vulnerability that gave me an amazing deeper connection with my friends and family. It developed new friendships and resurrected and strengthened old ones.

    I cherish the special moments of support and connection from my friends just being with me — teaching me to needlepoint while in bed with me and being there for my children by giving them the hugs they needed when I could not after my surgery.

    Lesson No. 2. Let it go!

    I can now say that I am a recovering "control freak." Cancer shows you that you do not have control over your life at all. Even though you think you do. My mantra was that no one could do it better than me, so I did it all.

    What I realized is that once I let go of that control — over my business, over my friends, over my family and I gave them this fabulous gift to let them practice their own courage, I had an overwhelming faith they would not let me fall. It was the most liberating feeling on earth. It allowed me to deeply appreciate those who help or had been trying to help for so long and I was so proud of those for taking the challenge on.

    Cancer shows you that you do not have control over your life at all. Even though you think you do.

    Lesson No. 3. Stop "should-ing" on yourself

    I lived in a world of never enough. I would start the day with saying that I should have gotten more sleep. I should have done this — and my last words would be that I did not get enough done that day, not enough time with my kids, not enough work in the office —and I should have done that.

    I was always looking for the big moments and missing the important ones which are so small. I was caught up in what I thought I should be doing and missed what was happening around me.

    The little moments of imperfection were the moments that I cherish now dearly and regret having overlooked in the past —Truett having his shoes on the wrong feet as he goes out the door for school, Thomson being able to hula hoop to I Am Sexy and I Know It without stopping, while still wearing pull ups at age 6.

    The challenge

    Cancer slowed me down enough to see and appreciate the little things. I learned my life was perfectly imperfect and I love it that way. My cancer showed me that I have plenty and I am enough. It taught me a strict practice of gratitude. I am very blessed. I did not have radiation or chemo and did not lose my hair. But somewhere in my life I did lose my way, cancer was the fork in the road where I looked either way and chose my new path.

    Sarcoma brought me to my knees, it humbled me and it broke me open. Honestly, it was one of the most impressive things that has ever happened to me. In the midst of a tragedy, I was enlightened and had a beautiful awakening.

    I challenge you tonight to make this small shift in your life — without the cancer diagnosis — to let the little things go, and pay attention to the imperfectly perfect parts of your life. Tell someone every day how special they are to you, how they have made a difference in your life. It will for sure make a difference in yours.

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    Power and Style

    Fashion show and tequila toasts light up Latin Women’s Initiative lunch

    Joel Luks
    Jun 13, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    Houtson's Latin Women’s Initiative pulled off a tres chic triple threat — style, celebration, and serious giving — during its 30th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, drawing more than 850 supporters to the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom. The event blended culture, community, and catwalks into one spectacular midday affair.

    Event chairs April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza, alongside board president Jovanny Orellana, welcomed guests to a ballroom teeming with fashionistas, philanthropists, and a whole lot of Latin sass. The annual luncheon, show, and bustling marketplace marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported Houston’s Latin community for more than two decades. This year’s honorees, Lisset Garza and Naimeh Salem, were recognized for their years of dedicated support to the organization and beyond.

    Festivities kicked off early with a shopping marketplace that opened in the morning and quickly became standing room only. Stylish attendees sipped tequila samples from local brand Titanium Tequila while browsing vendors. A specialty cocktail bar and music from DJ Freddy B kept the energy festive. Event designer Johanna Terry delivered an elegant setting, infusing the ballroom with rich emerald green tones, a nod to the organization’s 30th anniversary, paired with lush florals.

    The program began with Orellana welcoming the crowd from a dramatic Y-shaped runway, as Mariachi Reyes de Mexico filled the room with music that hushed the crowd for a heartfelt invocation.

    Then came the moment every fashion lover waited for: Lo Mejor de Saks Primavera 2025 (The Best of Spring Saks 2025), a luxe runway show presented in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, led by Heidi Turney and Hasina Starks. Applause echoed as models and a few brave Houston firefighters showed off the season’s must-haves. But the true showstopper? Actor and TV host Julián Gil, who surprised the audience by strutting the runway himself, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. His appearance was generously sponsored by Salem.

    The catwalk came alive with Latin beats and massive LED screens flashing colorful visuals, thanks to a production team led by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. Behind-the-scenes storytelling and videos, created by exclusive media partner Telemundo Houston, added a poignant layer to the spectacle.

    As guests settled in for lunch, anticipation built for the raffle, which included a dazzling diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers. Helene Zadok herself took the stage to crown the lucky winner. All that excitement translated into impact: the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

    And what’s a Latin party without a proper toast?

    Guests clinked glasses in a tequila-fueled cheers to three decades of fashion for a cause, then danced the afternoon away to live music from Grupo Kache. The grand finale included more marketplace shopping and lite bites, with plans already announced for next year’s fête on May 1, 2026.

    Houston’s Latin glitterati showed up, including Ceron, Patricia Herrera, Leticia Fallick, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Vicky Dominguez, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna, Chree Boydstun, David Cordua, Frances Castañeda Dyess, Patricia Garcia, Alba Huerta, Daisy Mendoza, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Jackie Garcia, Cathryn Martinez, Mariangeles Orti, Vanessa Ramirez, Matty Restivo, Lisa Flores, Susan Dray, Marilu Garza, Conchita Reyes, Lorena Gomez, Lucia and Michael Cordua, and Leisa Holland-Nelson.

    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Dave Rossman

    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

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