David Labrie radiated self-confidence in his bubble-gum pink bow tie and black tuxedo, flashing a great grin as he strode down the runway at the Models of Hope fashion show.

Seeing a male model surprised some in the audience of about 700 at the 11th annual Day of Caring for Breast Cancer Awareness on Saturday at the InterContinental hotel in downtown Miami. It had been about two years since the 55-year-old father of three was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma.

Labrie is grateful “that it was him that was diagnosed with cancer and not his wife or daughter,” master of ceremonies Mark Schumacher told the crowd.

Christine Zahralban looked like a professional bathing suit model in a two-piece that accentuated her voluptuous figure. Two years ago, soon after her 39th birthday, she was diagnosed with stage 1 colloid breast cancer. No one who saw her on Saturday would have guessed that the stunning Miami-Dade County prosecutor had undergone weekly chemotherapy treatments for six months.

“She enjoys spinning, boxing, dancing, weightlifting,” Schumacher said as she gracefully walked in six-inch platform heels. “She is grateful she chose to have both breasts removed as it was discovered that she also had cancer in her other breast.”

The models exuding joie de vivre on the catwalk also included an accountant, an actress, an art teacher, an advertising executive, a loan processor and a University of Miami law professor.

Rhonda McKnight-Smith, a grandmother, said having cancer had “really opened her eyes to what is important.” Debra Cabrera said she “discovered her inner strength and calmness through it all.”

There were many stories of survival. And no one appeared to be feeling any self-pity.

Losing my breasts has made me feel less feminine and attractive, but the women on that runway made me think that cancer patients should view themselves as ugly ducklings on their way to becoming swans. The promise is that as time passes, the image in the mirror will improve along with your health.

The fashion show was preceded by sessions on topics ranging from “Advances in Medical Oncology” and “Options in Reconstructive Surgery” to a tai chi workshop called “Learn Meditation in Motion.”

In a lecture titled “Fact or Fiction: Myths of Breast Cancer,” Dr. Elisa Krill-Jackson and Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez tackled several misconceptions.

“Yes, you can dye your hair,” said Krill-Jackson. “There is no risk in wearing deodorant,” said Rodriguez. “Underwire bras do not cause cancer,” and when it comes to food, “you can eat everything in moderation,” said Krill-Jackson. “Just try to stay away from refined sugars as much as you can,” Rodriguez added.

Then the crowd convened in a ballroom decorated in shades and textures of pink at tables sprinkled with heart-shaped glitter.

A blue-eyed little boy named John stood in front of the stage to listen to the keynote speaker. It was his mom, Dee Dee Ricks, and he was proud.

Wearing a long, figure-flattering fuchsia dress and sophisticated jewelry, Ricks looked like a Barbie doll princess. But the façade of perfection melted as she told her story.

As an activist for the uninsured, Ricks has raised millions to fund a cancer center for the poor in Harlem and is working with The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute to expand breast screening.