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Miami Girl Fighting Cancer Rocks The Runway At Benefit Luncheon

MIAMI (CBS4) - It's not every day a 10 year old girl gets to walk in a high fashion runway show in front of thousands of people. But, Briana Vega is no ordinary 10 year old.

Briana is fighting leukemia, a diagnosis she received just after her 10th birthday. She's being treated at Miami Children's Hospital and is now their Ambassador.

In October 2012, Briana was speaking at another event, and that's when designer René Ruiz heard her story.

"When I saw her speak and felt her love and her energy, I couldn't just help but think I could do to something help her. I wanted to give her something special," said Ruiz.

So Ruiz offered to create a custom designed couture dress for Briana with her help.

"It was really good because I got to design my own dress and add straps. It was fun," said Briana.

Ruiz made Briana "Supermodel of the Day"  at The Multiple Sclerosis Society's 30th Anniversary luncheon held Wednesday in Miami.

Briana rocked the runway in a turquoise knee length show stopper along with models wearing his spring 2013 line.

For Briana's Dad, watching his baby girl strut her stuff was the quite the moment.

"I'm so proud of her!" said Humberto Vega. "As a parent it's the best you can hope for your daughter."

One of this year's honorees is Alie Rothman, who created "Alie's Fund" after she was diagnosed with MS at age 14 and underwent open-heart surgery. Alie's Fund allocates funds to children based on their specific needs -

The two young women are reaching out beyond their own issues to give a name and face to causes that need all the help they can get.

"The important thing is to to keep our heads up," said Rothman. "There will be a cure in our lifetime."

"Even though something bad happens to you it's doesn't mean it's the end of the world," said Briana.

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