Artist Creates Armor for Cancer Survivor's Runway Debut

When Pam Malara pulled Mike Weary's name from a hat at a fashion show meet-and-greet, she had no idea she'd just found her armor maker.

Malara, 63, survived breast cancer twice. First at 39 in 2002, then again a decade later when advanced mammography caught a recurrence at stage zero. This October, she was chosen to model in Woman's Hospital's BUST Breast Cancer fashion show, where survivors walk the runway in custom designs created by local artists.

At their first meeting, Weary asked Malara one question: How do you want to feel on the runway? Her answer was immediate. Powerful.

Weary, artist-in-residence for the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, wanted to create something unforgettable for Malara's 30-second walk. He designed armor inspired by Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt. Painted copper, oxidized metal, rusted iron grommets, and a crescent moon headpiece transformed Malara into a warrior.

The ensemble needed to be light enough to walk in but look strong enough to "run through a wall," Weary said. He added a shield sleeve, knee-high boots, and a sword symbolizing her victory over cancer.

After her first diagnosis, Malara never stopped living. She and her husband Joe ran together daily throughout chemotherapy, even as she lost her hair. They traveled from Switzerland to Costa Rica, refusing to let cancer dictate their story.

Before cancer, Malara focused intensely on building her financial consulting business. When Joe urged her to stop and smell the roses, she'd reply they'd always be there. The morning after her first diagnosis, watching the sunrise from her couch, she prayed: "God, please don't cut my roses."

That moment changed everything. Malara vowed to fight and live fully. After her second diagnosis in 2012, she had a double mastectomy. She's been cancer-free ever since.

Sunny's Take

The BUST Breast Cancer fashion show has grown from a small event in 2013 to Woman's Hospital's biggest annual fundraiser. Each October, 15 to 20 breast cancer survivors are paired with local artists to create wearable art that celebrates their strength.

Weary, who has lost over a dozen friends and family members to cancer, felt the weight of his responsibility. He wanted to honor every survivor through his design for Malara.

When Malara tried on the complete armor, her husband saw pure joy light up her face. She walked the runway on October 1st to Pat Benatar's "Invincible," carrying her victory sword.

What began as a random pairing became a lifelong friendship built on art, resilience, and the power of feeling invincible.