Beauty pageant helps young girl cancer patients gain a mental edge

World
Europe

The world's first ever beauty pageant for child cancer patients was held earlier this week.

A star-studded lineup performed during the show /CGTN Photo

Designed to give the 12 contestants, aged between 9 and 19, a self-esteem boost in their ongoing battle against cancer, the event was held in a Mexico City theater, where the red carpet was rolled out for international beauty queens, as well as the newcomers.

CGTN Gif

Melanie Ruiz, one of the contestants, has battled leukemia since she was three years old. Having just turned 11, she has endured aggressive chemotherapy, long hospital stays and isolation from her family.

"I hated when they put needles in me, and the medicine made me sick," she told CGTN.

Yet the preparation for the beauty pageant has been a welcome distraction.

The "Beauty Queen" crown /CGTN Photo

Along with her 11 new friends, all of whom are battling cancer alongside her, they have learned to apply makeup, speak to an audience and strut like Miss Universe on stage.

The pageant is the brainchild of Dr. Jesus Galeana, a pediatric oncologist who says more than looks, the contest is about boosting confidence.

Dr. Jesus Galeana /CGTN Photo

"This contest is about saving lives," he told CGTN. "For many cancer patients, young and old, it isn't the disease that kills them in the end, rather the depression caused by the isolation and dehumanization they suffer at the hands of an indifferent society."

"If we can get these girls focused only on positivity and solidarity, then we have a better shot at beating the cancer."

The pageant has been focusing on involving the girls' families as well. Melanie's mother Alicia told CGTN how important the event has been in her daughter's life.

Contestants watch the show from center stage. /CGTN Photo

"These things happen for a reason," she said. "My daughter needed this, because the cancer has badly affected her self-esteem. It's especially tough for girls because they lose their hair, and people mistake them for boys."

"But the girls still see themselves as they were before the illness, and this event is allowing them to prove to the world, and themselves, just how beautiful they really are."

Contestants prepare in the makeup room. /CGTN Photo

While Melanie wasn't crowned at the end of the evening, she nevertheless emerges a winner, along with all the other contestants.

For these girls, the event has involved pure joy, an emotion that might give them the mental edge over their illness, and end up making all the difference.

(Cover: A contestant at the world's first ever beauty pageant for child cancer patients /CGTN Photo)