When Carolyn Butler was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2009 she was overwhelmed and confused.

Her initial reaction was one of self-pity.

“My very first words out of my mouth were “why me?”’ Butler said.

A friend responded, and that response gave birth to a new phase in Butler’s life and attitude.

“She said ‘Why not you?’ I had to find the good out of my experience to be able to get through,” Butler said.

While undergoing chemotherapy, Butler decided to attend an American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Jackson.

“I was very weak. All my hair had come out but I knew I had to get to Jackson to participate,” she said.

There she volunteered and took part in a walk despite her illness.

“I really felt like I had just accomplished by goal,” she said.

Butler founded Believers in Faith, a support group for survivors of all types of cancer and their families. The group started with eight women and since has grown to about 100.

“If you don’t share your story, how can you ever make an impact on somebody else’s life?” she said.

Last year the group decided they would use fashion to help fight cancer in style. The initial show raised more than $14,000.

“We did it to show that even though we are cancer survivors, we are still alive and know how to live,” Butler said.

The group’s second annual Life is Worth the Fight fashion show and silent auction is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at Riverwalk Casino and will feature and array cancer survivors — men and women — on the runway.

Proceeds from the fashion show and auction benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides event set for Oct. 27 in Jackson.

“Look at the passion. Look at all the lives you can help save,” she said.