Check Out Tara Rasheta’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Rasheta.  

Hi Tara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I spent the bulk of my career in front of the camera lens both as a fashion model and on-camera host. In 2017, I was still working in the entertainment industry as talent and also as the co-owner of Model Makers Group, a consulting company which helps place models with reputable agencies nationwide. That year I received my shocking breast cancer diagnosis at the age of thirty-five and I was forced to reevaluate my value of beauty and my personal priorities. 

At the start of my cancer journey, I started a blog called A Model Patient where I shared the challenges of my changing appearance, the struggles of battling breast cancer while raising young children, and my hopes for a full recovery. I was so inspired by the outpouring of love and support I received from my community during my health crisis that I decided to turn the blog into something bigger. 

A Model Patient (AMP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving women around the country who are facing breast cancer. It’s a woman-to-woman, grassroots approach in order to positively and directly impact patients through thoughtful care packages and meal deliveries. 

Each day, patients complete care package requests through our website. We assess the needs of the patient and donate goods accordingly. Our inventory is built through donations, financial contributions, and fundraising efforts. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Through AMP, I was eager to find a positive place to put my energy. What I loved most was connecting with patients; the hardest part (at first) was the prospect of raising money. Luckily, I was able to find some clever ways to put the FUN in fundraising! 

With the help of my colleague, Radz Daswani (an award-winning photographer and Director of Development for AMP), we were able to create meaningful collaborations between A Model Patient, Model Makers Group, and Radz D. Media. We created a platform called Model with a Purpose which allows our models a chance to use their beauty for something bigger. We’ve blended fashion & philanthropy through art shows, photoshoot competitions, runway shows, and other events to raise funds for our care packages. The models we work within our for-profit work have found a place to participate in our non-profit work; they are giving back while also doing what they love. 

AMP also created a leadership group for high school girls called the Dallas Social Club which stands for Sisterhood of Confident Independent Ambitious Leaders. These young women serve as advocates for our charity. Each month they meet for personal development classes and spend time volunteering and fundraising. It’s been another great way to help teach young women about the importance of service and philanthropy. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Through the gifts we mail, we hope to bring comfort to the crisis. When curating our care packages, I think back to the items that helped me feel better while getting better. 

Every patient deserves to feel beautiful. The stress of a health crisis along with the myriad of side effects a woman experiences from chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and/or surgeries can take a toll on the body and appearance. We are proud to supply products that help women feel radiant in the midst of their challenges. Our goal is to donate makeup, skincare products, and other goodies that bring out the model in every patient. 

Every patient deserves to feel nourished. The last thing a patient needs to worry about at the end of a treatment day is preparing dinner for herself or her family. We have found that delivering a healthy meal, organizing a Meal Train, or gifting restaurant or grocery gift cards provides more than just bodily sustenance; it eases her load, lifts her spirits, and nourishes her soul. 

Every patient deserves to feel stylish. Even if she’s pretty sick, that doesn’t mean she can’t still feel fashionable. We are proud to bestow practical, yet stylish, pieces that a woman can enjoy during her cancer journey. Scarves, headwraps, earrings, and post-op loungewear can all help a woman feel more chic, graceful, and dignified. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Starting a non-profit can feel like a daunting task. I was lucky to have my husband, Dak Rasheta, help me with the initial legal filings. He was also my greatest supporter and encourager through the darkest of days. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you see a need, have a passion and you want to give back, creating your own charity is a wonderful way to do so. This non-profit has been an important part of my healing process and I can’t wait to touch the lives of more patients for many years to come. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.amodelpatient.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amodelpatientcharity/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amodelpatientcharity
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ Image Credits
  Radz D. Photography