A 10-Year Secret Revealed Fails to Upend This Top Model’s Career: Her Amazing Story Brings Tears and a Standing Ovation

What: The National MS Society‘s On the Move luncheon

Where: River Oaks Country Club

PC Moment:  FORD Model Camerone Parker McCulloch, the day’s keynote speaker, moved the 400-plus guests to tears and earned a standing ovation with her story of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 32 and keeping it a secret for 10 years.

“I want my life to be as authentic as my walk,” she told the gathering. “You have to get up or give up and I chose to get up.” The dynamic swan was introduced by Mayor Sylvester Turner, who surprised her with a city proclamation in her honor.

Adding an upbeat note to the day, McCulloch brought along for display six pieces from her private collection of Project Runway fashions including designs by Peach Carr, Kini Zamora and Korto Momolu, whose “seatbelt coat” was a hit. Carr was among the luncheon guests.

The fundraiser, chaired by Shawntell McWilliams, brought in more than $200,000 with the assist of honorary chairs Franelle Rogers, Don McCormack and Stuart Burbach. 

It was an important day for KTRK ABC13 as news anchor Melanie Lawson was honored as the 2018 Person on the Move, her cohort Gina Gaston emceed the luncheon and interviewed McCulloch, and ABC13 general manager Henry Florsheim and wife Doe were in the audience as well as ABC13 news anchors Art Rascon and Ilona Carson and chief meteorologist Tim Heller. Also honored were Gerald Merfish with the Above & Beyond award and Lisa Sailor with the Hope Award.

Who: The Rev. Bill Lawson, Katie Brass, Stephanie Cockrell, Estela Cockrell, Bobbie Nau, Brigitte Kalai, Sippi Khurana, Merele Yarborough, Elita Loresca, and Rita and Nabil Joubran.