Next week, cancer survivors will raise awareness in Charlotte by walking for a cure.

But instead of sneakers, they will put on heels and dress shoes.

Ryan Johnson recently got fitted to hit the runway. The 32-year-old has never modeled but didn't think twice when the American Cancer Society asked him to walk in a fashion show with other cancer survivors.

“I feel very honored to take part in something like this,” he said.

In January 2011, Johnson had trouble breathing. He went to the hospital and an X-ray found a huge tumor.

“It was a tumor the size of a cantaloupe in my chest, right here,” he said. “It was on the outside of my lung and when it was growing, it was prohibiting my lung from inflating.”

Johnson began his battle against a form of testicular cancer, which was actually in his upper body. He underwent chemo and got married a few months later.

Johnson is now happy to call himself a survivor.

His story is exactly why New York-based clothing designer Alex Garfield has spent the past 14 years producing Cure by Design fashion shows across the U.S. They feature men, women and children who've beaten cancer.

“Every time I'm around these courageous survivors, it makes me stronger, because courage is contagious,” Garfield said.

As Garfield fitted two Charlotte women for the city's first-ever Cure by Design, he talked about the range of emotions the night of the big show.

“They're on the stage laughing, while everyone in the audience who loves them is crying, with tears of joy, giving them flowers as they greet them at the end of the runway,” he said.

And as Johnson gets ready for the runway, he'll be thinking about much more than a new suit.

“I mean, this touches everyone's life,” he said. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in some shape or form. And if I can contribute, even the littlest bit, to contribute to finding a cure, then I'm happy to do it.”

Cure By Design Charlotte will take place on Saturday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.