Posh KM Ent. LLC’s inaugural event, STYLETAINMENT’s The Show, A Cancer Survivor’s Story, brought in nearly 200 attendees to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month with fashion, style, art and–of course–Posh.
A Cancer Survivor’s Story is an immersive experience narrated through the lens of cancer survivor, Missouri, and it shines light on the desperate needs of homeless women with cancer. The event was “priceless,” according to Miriam Barron-Applewhite, co-founder of Posh KM Ent..
Kisha Lewis and Barron-Applewhite, each representing the “KM” in the company’s name, decided to present, plan and promote STYLETAINMENT’s event at Zoellner Arts Center after attending a past showing.
“The raw emotions, the passion and self-sacrificing love that motivated the producers to create The Show simply moved me the first time I saw the show,” said Lewis.
Barron-Applewhite shared a similar passion for the cause when she attended in 2017, and in 2019 she and Lewis partnered with Missouri to bring the show to the Lehigh Valley; however the COVID-19 pandemic postponed their plans.
“We never gave up,” said Barron-Applewhite, “and it finally came to fruition this past weekend.”
Missouri’s journey of faith, perseverance, self-determination and ultimate triumph was reflected through exquisite fashion, vibrant music and interpretative dance. The Show has been performed at iconic venues in the past, such as MetLife Stadium, The Prudential Center, Queens Theater, The Howard Theater, The Ritz Theater, SOPAC and more–but Posh KM Ent.’s extravagant and emotional presentation offered an experience that attendees will not forget.
Ron Talford, a VIP ticket holder, said it was an outstanding day due to many reasons, some of which being the global issues and stories of “real fighters” that were told.
Talford recalled a memorable addition to The Show’s line-up–a skit called “What If.” During the skit, actors delivered a touching performance of those who are homeless and seeking care.
The movement behind STYLETAINMENT The Show, resonates with this performance, as the organization aims to establish “A Place Called Love”–formerly “A Place Called Home”–within communities, where homeless and/or income-challenged women can reside expense and worry free as they undergo treatments and receive the care needed to promote overall healing. Additionally, secular training courses are provided to help begin new chapters in life as.
Another segment of the event included a moment to present The Show’s honorees–women who have survived, and continue to survive, breast cancer. While this is a crucial component to all presentations of A Cancer Survivor’s Story, attendees and honorees alike attributed the memorability and sentimentality of this moment to the atmosphere Posh KM Ent. provided.
Altagracia Cruz-Jones, an honoree with 22 months of survivorship, said the event was presented in such a way that she could emotionally connect with everything around her.
“It was a magical experience,” she said, “. . . the entertainment; the color, sound, it was extremely sensory.”
Transcending words such as “angelic” and “breath-taking,” Cruz-Jones emphasized that as an honoree she felt comfortable at all times, thanks to the efforts of Posh KM Ent.’s leaders, Lewis and Barron-Applewhite.
As a mother, wife and daughter to her loved ones who attended The Show, Cruz-Jones explained how important this was to feel supported by those you would expect, and those you may not.
To her, being honored at this event meant the world to her for just this reason.
“We have to start to create a habit of telling people that we see them, love them; that we care and we are proud of them. . . [and] Honor those people in the living, it allows for them to live their lives out loud,” said Cruz-Jones.
Sandra Grom, fellow honoree with soon-to-be five years of survivorship on Dec. 13, 2022, recalled a similar feeling.
“[It was an] immensely welcoming experience for me; it is the first time that I have actually been honored for anything–much less breast cancer–so it was also very humbling for me in that way,” said Grom.
Lewis and Barron-Applewhite accumulated a sense of community that was embraced by the guests. In fact, Grom’s favorite moment from the experience is thanks to an uplifting conversation started by a complete stranger.
“I had a woman come up to me–” she said, “I had no idea who she was–and she thanked me for sharing my story, and she congratulated me. She asked ‘How did you do it?’ and I told her that I did see it as a gift.”
Grom went on to explain that she believes there are moments in a woman’s life when her own self care and self preservation falls to the wayside, which describes her experience of diagnosis as a single mother who put her children first above all else.
And yet, she found that her faith and her support system enabled a sense of ease and comfort that transcended her fear. Little did Grom know, sharing this story both on stage and in private with a near-stranger could be so impactful.
The unnamed woman who spoke with her explained that cancer is genetic within her family, and that she had never experienced anyone surviving it–until now.
With 10 survivors honored at the event, women from all walks of life shared their story to deliver hope. Honoree Elba Petrillo celebrated the longest survivorship of 16 years. Rose Jackson was celebrated as Newest or Most Recently Diagnosed honoree for having completed chemotherapy treatment and reconstructive surgery; Jackson has finally begun growing back her beautiful silver crown, all within the past two years.
Crown is a fitting depiction for all honorees, as it was Posh KM Ent.’s mission to celebrate the premise of The Show in every way possible–including a red carpet experience, professional photos taken by Darin Barron Photography and an exclusive cocktail party with live entertainment for VIP ticket holders.
Each honoree was given a VIP ticket to transform into the “survivorship superstars” they are, said Lewis.
The red carpet experience and extravagance of the event was enjoyed by all different audiences.
Grom said although she typically refrains from special attention–in fact, she even hated the spotlight on her own wedding day–having a front row seat to the event and the opportunity to experience community was unique and fascinating to witness.
Barron-Applewhite and Lewis would like to thank Missouri and STYLETAINMENT for creating and performing such an amazing theatrical event, and–most importantly–their “Be~Y.O.U~tiful" honorees who opened their hearts, shared their stories of strength and allowed everyone to share this most personal and intimate journey.
Sharing is not an easy thing to do, and Posh KM Ent. welcome those who are willing to step out on faith and begin in their next chapter in life, as partners in Posh KM Ent. LLC.
Both Barron-Applewhite and Lewis would like to thank their friends and family for their unwavering love, support and encouragement, including: Lewis’ daughters Aquasiyah & JaKada, and Barron-Applewhite’s sons Darin and Monty.
Inspirational Words From The Honorees
“For me that 5 year mark [of survivorship] is the all time goal. Every day is a blessing, and everyday I move forward and do what is necessary. . . Do not take anything for granted. . . Focus on what you are in full control. . . Expect the unexpected, and the unexpected isn’t always bad.” - Altagracia Cruz-Jones
“Early detection is key; I know that there are a lot of people who are just so afraid to find out that they put it off, and all I can say is don’t put it off. Because it can be curable; the longer you let stuff go, you are putting your chances for full recovery at a great disadvantage. . . It is not selfish to put yourself first.” - Sandra Grom
Additional Reviews
“If you want an amazing event that is heartfelt, full of compassion and passion, both Miriam and Kisha are amazing, amazing hosts and planners and I am full of gratitude.” -Altagracia Cruz-Jones
“VIP cocktail party appetizers were exquisite! Flavorful and the presentation was just beautiful! Enjoyed the variety, service of the staff and live entertainment. Also the timing to enjoy it all was sufficient!” -Michelle Belgrave
“It was a high class event with significant meaning.” -Ron Talford
