Awareness Runway
It was such an honor, to host the runway of purpose. This was an idea that started out with Red and I talking.
I wanted to be something; do something.
Though we were unable to record, those there felt the impact.
When The creators asked me to share their stories, I was in awe. I got to learn so much about each of them. How much we had in common. Things that really matter.
Here are their stories.
Moth's Story: Cancer
Cancer doesn't just infect the body of the carrier but those who care for them as well.
Growing up, I used to travel with my grandparents; at times, I still do. One of my favorite places to go used to be California. We used to go visit all of the Hispanic side of my family, and that included my great-great-grandmother. A breast cancer survivor. She was a warrior.
From the strawberry fields of Cali, she made a life for herself and created a family that used to be fairly close. Cancer took both of her breasts, but not the fight in her. She went through breast cancer three times, and the family was devastated. We thought she wouldn't get through it. It tore our family apart in unimaginable ways. Yet, she came out on top not once. Not twice. But THREE times.
That woman is everything I hope to be: a great mother, a wonderful grandmother, and so on. She lived to be 103. How incredible she is.
I was a child when she passed. Turns out, that hurt a huge part of me. I found out after that it runs in the family, and that more than one of her daughters had it, and that my own grandmother has a sister who had it and survived it as well.
Now that I am an adult, I have a son of my own. I am at high risk for breast cancer due to other health conditions I have. It is terrifying to think that one day, I could be her. Sitting in my wheelchair, an elder with great-grandchildren, and slowly fading because of what cancer did to my body.
I think breast cancer is much more common than people realize it is. I believe it is a cause worth acknowledging.
FUCK CANCER!
Mrs Ruger's Story: Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes EDS
Have you ever looked at someone in a handicap parking and say to yourself or outloud. Doesnt look like they need a handicap slot to park in they look normal.
Well with the syndrome I have as well as both of my children and grandchildren as it is heridatary we look very normal. Except our joints dislocate for no reason, our scars are like crinkled tissue paper, we look fairly young however our bodies are attacking itself. We live in pain 24/7 but that doesnt stop us for we live and overcome with the hand that was dealt to us at birth.
We continue to grow not just in strength but in determination not to let this stop us. We live our lives with the uncertainity will it happen today but the strength we have we dont let it stop us.
Our symbol is the zebra just like patient like me no two zebras are alike and no two patients are alike with the symdrome I have. The syndrome my children, grandkids and myself is known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes EDS for short. We stand strong we stand as one community with resilence to keep hoping for a cure or a treatment.
I hope this has brought awareness to each of you the next time you see someone that looks perfectly normal on the outside may be destructing on the inside.
TomThompson's Story: Child's Rights
I choose to advocate for Children’s Rights because this cause is deeply personal to me. Since moving to the Philippines when I was 18, I’ve grown very close to children in the community and have seen both their potential and the challenges they face.
Education, to me, is the foundation of every child’s future. That is why I actively sponsor community initiatives that help send Filipino children to school. Apart from the monthly sponsorship, all of my income from IMVU also goes directly toward supporting these children — for their education, school needs, and overall well-being.
Children deserve to be protected. They deserve to be heard. And most importantly, they deserve the right to learn and dream without limits.
This campaign is my way of standing for them — not just in style, but in action. Because every child matters. Protect. Educate. Empower.
RoseNoire's Story: Cancer
This time, I've chosen to share fragility ppl with cancer. I told about this from personal experience and as a caregiver to who have passed away with this disease... My mommy
Cancer can survive silently inside for a long time... Often by the time it becomes visible, it's already too late...In October 2016, following an ultrasound, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my left kidney. The tumor had now completely engulfed the kidney, extending to part of the renal vein... . Kidney cancer, as some know, does not require chemotherapy but requires the total removal of the kidney. In December2016, I had surgery... my kidney, part of the renal vein and part of my rib were removed.The surgery went well... Thank God. But unfortunately, a few months later, while I was slowly getting better... my mommy got sick.......I went back to my parents' house leaving everything.....and stayed by her side night and day... Until the last breath...
Who get cancer are aware of the risk of making it... They feel it inside... like a perception. This is why those who care for a patient must always be an emotional supporter.A shelter from fears, a smile even in the midst of tears... and a hug when nothing can be said. Terminally ill patients often left hope... Often they are afraid of being alone... Presence is what we can give them. Hugs, love this will accompany them serenely on their journey..
What does it mean to me? Big importance to stay with the people we love!! Big importance of actions and not words!! Presence and empathy!! .My awareness for this time
Tsukuyomi Starlight's Story: Autism
I choose to advocate for Autism, because of what happend a year ago to my granddaughter and daughter, it is a long story the story was written by my daughter Buttercup
The Puzzling Question for the Puzzling Collection
My father gave me the honor to write under his name in explanation to what built the drive to create the Puzzling collection.
For those that may or may not know, Autism Awareness Month is April - with April 2nd being the honorary #WearBlue day.
As April turned the corner on its way, there was the usual struggle on IMVU - there wasn’t proper recognition let alone representation of any fashionable items to represent this awareness. I myself got used to this idea and therefore didn’t bother fully piecing many items for an outfit. As long as there was something there as I have a very close family member with autism - my sister. My daughter on IMVU lives with autism and has also faced this struggle. With many times trying to piece something together for the month and failing, we basically gave up and sulked. I remember going to my father about this. And he himself seemed confused. Questioning why there’s nothing to represent a cause like this. After this, I didn’t expect the next thing to happen.
My father decided - knowing how important this was to my daughter and I - to create a playful collection - the Puzzling collection.
Turns out, when she spoke how she felt, she shared how she would picture a proper representation. “I would love to see a gown or an outfit inspired by that for me and my fellow people…if there is a gown or dress with a bow.” The bow was key! My father searched and found the exact target and immediately got to work. He didn’t let it go for one second - checked with my daughter and even myself making sure it was right. The way I sobbed could make the Kim Kardashian meme look like nothing. It was perfect.
The Puzzling Princess and The Puzzling Prince was born.
After this, we felt joy. Representation was executed flawlessly and so much love was given into this creation.
Then, June comes around. June is known to be Pride Month. A popular imvu host was hosting a party that month, actually for Autism Awareness month and stated she had been planning for this event for months. However, due to multiple setbacks and complications, the event was allowed too late for the month of April and was approved for June. I remember discussing with my daughter about possibly seeing how it would be like to attend a party meant for Autism Awareness month. We hesitated but agreed and what we feared most, happened.
The entire party meant for Autism awareness was twisted into a party for Pride. Even though the hostess herself had stated multiple times that although it is Pride month and there are Pride events from imvu - that this party was meant to stand by Autism Awareness. I’ve never seen such a toxic audience before throwing that fact away, minimizing the true reasoning and genuine cause of this only to blend with everyone else. They walked all over the comments we made to stand for our cause and pushed on their own agenda.
Turning an entire party for a genuine awareness to another party for the Discover page because that’s more important. I took it upon myself to message the host - thanking her for her kindness in her motivation to throw this party but that it was disrespectful seeing how ugly this turned out. She stood by my words and told me she will make sure it changes that she herself was disgusted by the end of it.
I took it to my father, venting how horrible it was to be shoved to the side hearing these comments and not even having the chance to represent autism properly with his creations. He took this as his chance. Since they made a mockery of this cause, he’d make them think twice on doing it again. He worked and low and behold…
The Puzzling Queen has risen.
The Puzzle Lady waltzes.
The Puzzle Man struts.
The Puzzle Bunny hops.
The Puzzling Question to these situations has been answered. And the Autism Awareness Creator was the one to respond.
Dark Tsukuyomi took my feelings, my daughter’s, and the fight for autism to his own heart. Paving the way for proper healing and representation. A voice was finally heard. All thanks to Dark Tsukuyomi and his Puzzling collection.
Our historyIris's Story: Autism
Working with children and adults with autism is a journey that requires patience, empathy, flexibility, and an open heart. It comes with challenges, but it also brings some of the most meaningful and beautiful experiences a person can have.
Every individual with autism is unique. Some may struggle with communication, sensory sensitivities, or changes in routine. Others may have difficulty expressing emotions or understanding social cues. There can be moments of frustration, misunderstandings, or behaviors that require calm guidance and deep understanding. These challenges call for compassion, creativity, and consistency.
But beyond the challenges lies something truly special.
Working with people on the autism spectrum teaches you to slow down, to celebrate small victories, and to see the world through a different lens. A first word spoken, a moment of eye contact, a new skill mastered, or a genuine smile — these moments carry immense meaning. They remind you that progress is personal and growth looks different for everyone.
The care and understanding that this work requires builds strong bonds rooted in trust. It encourages acceptance without judgment and love without conditions. It teaches patience, strengthens resilience, and deepens empathy in ways few other experiences can.
Supporting individuals with autism isn’t just about helping them navigate the world — it’s also about learning from them. Their honesty, unique perspectives, creativity, and authenticity can inspire those around them every day.
Though the path can be demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding. To walk alongside someone with autism, to support their growth, and to celebrate who they are is not just work — it’s a privilege and a beautiful experience.