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Warrensburg, MO (Octubre 26, 2026) — Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) welcomed the community to its 14th Annual Ladies’ Night Out on Wednesday, October 14, at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center. The annual event brought together women from across the community to celebrate breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about breast health and encourage regular mammograms.
For 14 years, Ladies’ Night Out has connected women with breast health resources while providing opportunities for education, encouragement and community support. Since the event began, thousands of women have scheduled mammograms as a result of Ladies’ Night Out, helping increase the number of mammograms performed at WMMC to more than double what it was previously.
This year’s event welcomed 739 attendees, with 809 tickets sold and 71 mammograms scheduled during the event. These results demonstrate the continued impact of bringing the community together to encourage early detection and help women take an active role in their health.
“Fourteen years ago, Ladies’ Night Out began with a simple mission: encourage early detection, provide education and bring our community together,” said Tara Carlyle, WMMC Strategy & Development Executive and creator of Ladies’ Night Out. “Today, we’ve seen thousands of women take steps toward better breast health because of this event. That impact is something our entire community can be proud of. Every woman deserves the opportunity to prioritize her health, and we want to make sure she knows WMMC is here to support her.”
A highlight of the evening was featured speaker Meryl Lin McKean, a breast cancer survivor, former FOX 4 Health Reporter, longtime WMMC volunteer and advocate for women’s health. Known to many attendees as a longtime emcee of Ladies’ Night Out, McKean returned to the stage this year to share her personal experience with breast cancer.
McKean was diagnosed more than 22 years ago after a routine mammogram detected an abnormality hidden within dense breast tissue. Now approximately 20 years cancer-free, she continues to encourage women to stay current with their mammograms and understand the importance of early detection. Her story served as a powerful reminder that regular screening matters, even when there are no noticeable symptoms.
The evening also featured remarks from Carlyle and Darinda Dick, WMMC President/CEO, along with special recognition of breast cancer survivors in attendance. Survivors were invited to stand and be celebrated by the crowd, honoring their journeys and recognizing the community’s support surrounding them.
“Ladies’ Night Out is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together for an important cause,” said Dick. “As someone who is currently going through my own cancer journey, I know firsthand how much a diagnosis can impact you and your family. While my cancer is not breast cancer, I understand how important it is to have support, access to care and people in your corner. This event reminds women to prioritize their health, highlights the importance of early detection and brings our community together to support one another. I’m thankful for everyone who makes this event possible and for the difference it continues to make in our community.”
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed vendor booths, activities, special offers and opportunities to win prizes. The event featured general raffles, exclusive raffles for breast cancer survivors, vendor-hosted giveaways and pink-themed celebrations.
Ladies’ Night Out also encouraged attendees to schedule their mammograms through a $2,000 cash prize drawing. Individuals who scheduled a mammogram at WMMC between August 1 and October 14, 2026, and attended the event were eligible to win one of four prizes: $1,000, $500 or one of two $250 prizes.
Two handmade quilts were raffled separately, with all proceeds benefiting the WMMC Foundation Cancer Care Fund. One quilt was handmade by Brenda and Kenneth Watson. Brenda is a WMMC volunteer and Auxiliary member. The second quilt was created and donated by Mary Bahner, a breast cancer survivor and mother of Maria Embry, who works in WMMC Human Resources. Both quilts were displayed at the event, and winners were drawn that evening.
The event was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, vendors, WMMC employees and community partners. WMMC extends special thanks to Gold Sponsors F&C Bank and Gallagher, as well as all additional sponsors who helped make the event possible.
Breast cancer affects approximately one in eight women during their lifetime. WMMC encourages women to prioritize their breast health and stay current with recommended screenings. A mammogram at WMMC does not require a provider order. To schedule an appointment, call WMMC’s Centralized Scheduling Department at (660) 262-7370.
Acerca del Centro Médico del Oeste de Missouri
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited, county-owned healthcare system based in Warrensburg, Missouri, proudly serving Johnson County and surrounding communities. As an independent, not-for-profit medical center, WMMC is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care.
WMMC provides a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency and time-critical care, obstetrics, surgical services, primary and specialty care, rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. With a strong focus on patient experience, clinical excellence, and community health, WMMC continues to invest in advanced technology, dedicated providers, and innovative services to meet the evolving needs of the region. Learn more at wmmc.com and follow Western Missouri Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.