Nebraska Farmers Walk Runway to Celebrate Cancer Survival

Farmers don't usually strut down fashion runways, but at Nebraska's Cattlemen's Ball last weekend, the catwalk became a place of honor for cancer survivors.

Don Batie, a retired Lexington farmer, walked the stage in a gray rock and roll sports jacket to thunderous applause from hundreds of supporters. "Normally I am obviously not a style show person," he said with a smile, but this show meant something deeper than fashion.

Every person on that runway shared a common bond. They had all faced cancer and lived to tell about it.

For Don, the victory felt bittersweet. His wife Barb, who had helped organize the event, passed away from cancer at Christmas.

"My dad died from cancer, my wife's father died from cancer. I've had a couple of different cancers, luckily caught early," Don shared. The two were rarely apart, working together at community events where Barb captured stories as an ag journalist.

Walking the runway without her wasn't something Don ever imagined. But knowing Barb, this is exactly the kind of story she would have wanted people to hear.

Don's daughters, Cicely and Julie, watched from a standing room only crowd after running the event's 5K race. "I expected a small crowd and did not expect a standing room only crowd," Don said, clearly moved by the turnout.

The models ranged from longtime ranchers to a young boy still fighting cancer. "Especially the younger ones. They need the encouragement that we can beat cancer," Don said.

Why This Inspires

The event came at the perfect time for Dawson County, which has weathered tough challenges over the past year including the Tyson beef plant closure and devastating wildfires. The Cattlemen's Ball reminded the community that even during hard times, there's room for celebration and hope.

The message was clear: honor survivors, fund research, and keep fighting. Don summed it up perfectly: "Come have a good time trying to kick cancer's butt."