The Good Shepherd Evangelical Church in Kenedy is hosting a Ladies’ Tea and Fashion Show to raise funds benefiting the American Cancer Society. The Tea will take place at the church fellowship hall on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m.

A similar event took place last year and organizers say it was a tremendous success raising more than $1,500.

The ladies of the church will model vintage and contemporary clothing during the Fashion Show. Admission to the event and tips received by the servers will all go to the American Cancer Society.

This year, the men of the church will be joined by a very special guest in serving the tea and lunch to guests.

Television personality Leslie Mouton, who anchors the noon, 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news on KSAT Channel 12 in San Antonio, will serve refreshments to the guests alongside the male members of the church.

While Mouton has always enjoyed her job reporting the news, she never dreamed she would become the news.

In October of 2000 she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"My first instinct was to hide it. Then I realized that would eat me up faster than the cancer. I decided the best way to beat it would be to face it, share it, and try to help others," Mouton said.

She discovered a lump through a self-exam and now tries to educate and encourage even young women to do their exams. "I was only 35 when diagnosed. I wasn’t old enough for mammograms and had no history of breast cancer in my family. If I hadn’t been doing those self-exams, I wouldn’t have caught it, and my prognosis would be much different," she said.

Leslie shared her story with viewers every step of the way. She did news stories on everything from the diagnosis and surgery, to chemo and hair loss, to radiation.

She even made the ultimate statement in support of cancer patients, by anchoring one newscast without her wig. "I believe it was important for people to see the reality of cancer. I also know the heart wrenching fear of losing your hair," Mouton said. So, I wanted to inspire women not to be ashamed of their bald heads, and hopefully ease the fear of being bald."

Leslie is now involved in several cancer organizations, frequently gives speeches on the subject and hopes her experience can have a positive impact on others. "Attitude is everything and I want women to know that cancer doesn’t necessarily mean death," she said.

Organizers are asking guests to arrive in vintage clothing or wearing a hat. Admission is $10. Call the church office at (830) 583-2285 for tickets or more information.