Fashion is Back | Allison Stodola Wilson in Inviting Arkansas
As seen in the October issue of Inviting Arkansas.
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Allison Stodola Wilson believes in the power of community and realizes that live performances cultivate camaraderie that shifts perspectives. “When people come together for a shared experience, like theater, it’s a chance for the audience to unite and be hopeful that the future is bright,” Allison elaborates. Next month, Allison will dazzle guests at Festival of Fashion – the Capital City’s biggest + boldest runway show with a collective objective: a world without cancer. Until then, the CARTI commitment to patient-centered care remains steadfast.
Presented by CARTI, Festival of Trees celebrates the resilient spirit of cancer survivors and the life-saving services that CARTI provides. “Festival of Trees is the best way to kick off the season!” Proceeds support the CARTI Patient Assistance Program. There is a focus on the complete wellness of each patient that defines the CARTI vision + mission. Treatment includes programs that provide emotional and spiritual support; CARTI joins in each family’s cancer journey.
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These values are intertwined in the cancer center’s legacy of service, spanning more than four decades, and the lives that have been saved as a result. With an all-inclusive treatment center and statewide network of clinics that administer radiation + chemotherapy – more 34,000 Arkansans benefit from CARTI’s commitment to compassionate care each year. Allison adds, “We are so lucky to have a world-renowned cancer center in our state. Not only does CARTI have the best doctors and nurses, they truly care about well-being and mental health.” Education and research have evolved, but CARTI’s mission remains constant. Patients have access to the newest technology and a holistic philosophy that supports the patient and the family. When faced with a cancer diagnosis, CARTI provides assured confidence that the patient will receive the best treatment available.
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Allison has served on the Festival of Fashion committee for more than a decade. Participating as a model, dancer and choreographer – no task seems too trivial for this dynamo. She’s a seasoned professional in every aspect of community service. Shelia Vaught, who remains an ardent advocate for CARTI, introduced Allison to Festival of Trees. “Shelia Vaught, who I call Mrs. Shelia, from her years as director of Little Rock School of Dance, entrusted me as dance coordinator. I remain unbelievably thankful for her trust and guidance as I put together the theme and choreography for Festival of Fashion. I strive to make the audience and models feel as if they have stepped into a true fashion show!”
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The virtuosity of performing continues to resonate with Allison; it’s something she enjoys sharing with audiences. She draws inspiration from Broadway star actor-singer-dancer Ben Venreen who recently visited the Natural State. “He told us to be present. I think we all need to hear that,” she recalls. “It’s been a challenging couple of years, but if we stay present and enjoy being more in the moment – we’ll be better for it.”