The WMMC Team that organized the event (from left to right): Michelle Schubert, John McRoy, Teresa Collins, Jennie Snapp, Tara Carlyle, Sam Schleicher, and Bailee Copas. Not pictured: Bailey Eggen
Warrensburg, MO — Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month by hosting its 11th Annual Ladies’ Night Out (LNO) Event on October 12 at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center (UCM Multipurpose Building). This event promoted breast health awareness and encouraged women to get their annual mammograms through fun giveaways, raffles, and a panel of speakers.
This annual event strives for two goals – to raise awareness of the importance of preventative screenings and to create a fun, educational environment for women. This year there were over 50 vendors set up, including students from the Warrensburg Cosmetology School offering services such as hair styling. This was a record-setting year, including nearly 700 attendees and, most importantly, 162 mammograms scheduled.
“We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming support that made our 11th annual Ladies Night Out event a tremendous success. With over 700 incredible women in attendance and an astounding 162 mammograms scheduled, we’ve raised awareness and taken significant steps towards early detection and prevention in the fight against breast cancer,” said Tara Carlyle, Strategy & Development Executive. “This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of over 20 passionate volunteers, the generous contributions of $15,000 in sponsorship, and the relentless efforts of the countless individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes.”
LNO ticket holders received a VIP bag filled with coupons, exclusive deals, and a custom t-shirt. There were over 25 raffles given out to the attendees, including $2,000 in cash prizes to women who scheduled their mammograms. This is double the amount of the regular cash drawing thanks to the anonymous donors who contribute to this fun year after year. New exciting contributions to the event were balloon art by 89 Design – Creations & Event Management and a 360 photo booth by Memories All Around.
The guest speaker for the evening was Tobi Chambers, a breast cancer survivor. In August of 2011, Tobi was diagnosed at just 39 years old with “HER2-Positive Stage 2” Breast Cancer. Following her diagnosis, Tobi was supported by her husband, children, friends, family, and her 7th-grade students. Tobi shared her story of how her faith and community carried her through the long treatments and made a plea to all the women in the crowd to continue with the annual exams and appointments.
One in eight women will have breast cancer, and Missouri women have one less barrier in their fight against breast cancer. Insurance providers were required to cover the cost of 3D mammography starting at age 40. Don’t wait until the unthinkable occurs and schedule a mammogram at the WMMC Centralized Scheduling Department at (660) 262-7370.
Guest speaker, Tobi Chambers, and event emcee, Meryl Lin McKean
Staff from ReDefine Medical Spa
Staff from WMMC
About Western Missouri Medical Center
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.