Runway for Hope 2024

This premier fashion show and luncheon benefits Bethesda Health Clinic with all clothing modeled from the clinic’s thrift store, Hangers of Hope.

Catherine started her modeling career in the 1980s working her way through nursing school. Her photographs graced the Dallas Morning News advertisements, JC Penney & Sears Catalogues, as well as Wilson Sporting Goods, Neiman Marcus and on a product box in Radio Shack. She has had the unique opportunity to model success in national print advertisements, on the runway, in digital media and in life.

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and was an operating room nurse for many years before losing the majority of her eyesight. Although only partially sighted, due to a progressive retinal disease, she is very independent, reads Braille and uses white cane for mobility.

Don’t let her white cane fool you.

Catherine is both fearless in the face of a challenge and skilled at defying the stereotypes assigned to women over 50 and to the handicapped.

As a former professional ballerina, who studied at Julliard’s School of American Ballet, Catherine brings that same discipline, grace and poise to being a model who happens to be blind. Now in her “second half of life” she signed with Grogan Management Modeling Agency in Dallas as a commercial print and fitness model.

Catherine has combined her skills as a ballerina, 10+ years of weight training and her knowledge as a nurse to become a popular certified fitness instructor, teaching stretching/flexibility class. Her lean, athletic physique and positive approach to fitness/nutrition/beauty at every age makes her both a role model and expert in what an active, healthy lifestyle can be.

Her encouraging message of perseverance and strength regardless of circumstances led Catherine to be a sought-after public speaker and writer for more than 10 years.