McAllen High School Junior designs fashion show for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

At just 16, McAllen High School junior Delphine Mangelschots has felt the pain of having someone you love, someone you care about, battle cancer. After her great aunt was diagnosed with blood cancer and a fellow McHi student was diagnosed with leukemia, Mangelschots felt compelled to make a difference.

“I joined South Texas Student Visionaries of the Year to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,” Mangelschots said. We have a team of 23 students, and we named our team Speak Now, Kicking Out Cancer.”

The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers and to improve the lives of patients and their families.

Mangelschots— president of her junior class and a member of the National Honor Society— wanted to take her difference- making even further. Modeling for charitable events produced by Debbie Chavez of Debi Lou Productions inspired her vision.

“I started to think about how I could raise money that would make a difference,” Mangelschots said. “I put two and two together and came up with a similar fashion show.”

Mangelschots did not have a full grasp of the rigorous work it takes to produce such an event. Nevertheless, she said, “I am pleased to say that nearly 95% of what I needed for this show has been generously donated. I am so grateful to my family and friends who have helped me, and I pray that my team makes an impact on patients’ lives.”

Mangelschots’ production, Speak Now, will go live Wednesday, Feb. 19, at The Old Church Winery, 700 N. Main in McAllen. The show kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to end at 9. For $50, Speak Now guests will enjoy a meal and a beverage, in addition to the student-produced show benefiting LLS. The evening includes survivors’ stories, a raffle, a silent auction, and wine tasting.

“We haven’t sold all of the tickets yet,” Mangelschots added, “so if anyone would like to buy some at the door, that would be greatly appreciated.”

She also expressed gratitude to the sponsors, her team, and everyone who helped her bring her vision to life. This 16-year-old continues to live by her motto: Live your life while helping others to live theirs.

Story Courtesy
Chris Ardis