A University apparel design alumnus and reality TV contestant is helping to dress cancer victims with a cloak of positivity.
“Project Runway” competitor Anthony Ryan Auld, who graduated from the University in 2010, now works on a project that hits close to home.
Auld was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008, but he fought back and beat the illness in 2009.
Since the experience, Auld has created a movement called Rock One, which originally focused on testicular cancer but now encompasses all types of the ailment.
Auld took the name from his philosophy that no one who suffers from testicular or any type of cancer should be ashamed of the struggle.
“Because I rock one doesn’t mean anything,” he said. “Think about it as a trophy in the end.”
Rock One’s goal is to raise awareness and spread positivity to people affected by cancer.
“It’s a movement to bring a positive mentality to cancer victims and just give them a day that’s taking away from the negative energy that cancer brings,” Auld said.
The organization will send sunshine through the gloom of cancer by hosting fashion events, designing custom garments and taking survivors on shopping trips, he said. If the movement can also lessen the financial burden of those affected by cancer, then it’s working, Auld said.
He developed Rock One prior to “Project Runway,” but the show sparked inspiration and gave him a platform to spread the movement’s message.
Hitting a local note, Rock One is partnering with Scene Magazine to hold Mode Fashion Week, Baton Rouge’s premiere fashion week event, at the end of April.
Though Auld couldn’t reveal many details about the event yet, he said it will be something special for the state and will feature collections of other “Project Runway” participants.
“I’ve got a couple of surprises in store for just Louisiana,” he said. “I’m going to officially launch the Rock One movement with the first ever recipient for the foundation.”
While Rock One has several major contributors like the Krewe of Apollo, Scene Magazine, Hello Sushi and others that provide financial support, Auld is piloting the movement solo.
He said he’s involved in every aspect of the upcoming fashion event, from choosing the models to handpicking the garments that will adorn them.
The designer still maintains a relationship with the University, and he will likely judge an upcoming fashion show for student fashion organization Hemline, he said.
Human ecology professor Lisa McRoberts was Auld’s instructor for multiple design classes and still maintains a close relationship with him. She said Rock One is instrumental in helping to raise self-esteem for cancer patients, and she is proud of her former student.
“I’m very grateful that Anthony’s found a positive way to touch people’s lives and make the world a better place,” she said. “As designers, it’s what we set out for.”
Auld said McRoberts fought for him when he suffered a tough time in school. She provided the most help with arranging his school schedule around his chemotherapy treatments, he said.
But McRoberts said she never questioned helping Auld, calling him an exceptional person and student with talent and commitment.
“I was very supportive when he was sick. He needed extra time, and I gave it to him,” McRoberts said. “He never took advantage of it.”
Auld is in the process of launching a Rock One website, but more information about the movement is available on Facebook or Twitter.
“Right now it’s one day at a time,” Auld said.
Auld said his cancer experience was eye-opening for him as a college student who wanted to do more, be more and have a family. He encouraged people, especially students, to be more aware about the subject.
Men, especially 18- to 26-year-olds, should have their testicles checked, and those affected by testicular cancer shouldn’t be ashamed of it, Auld said.
