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Warrensburg, MO — Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its 13th Annual Ladies’ Night Out (LNO) event on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center. The event promoted breast health awareness and encouraged women to prioritize annual mammograms through engaging activities, inspiring speakers, and fun prizes.
With 840 tickets sold, the event welcomed 783 attendees and resulted in 158 mammograms being scheduled—furthering WMMC’s mission to promote breast health awareness and early detection.
John McRoy served as emcee, and the evening guest speaker was Suzanne Brown. Suzanne and her family relocated to Warrensburg in July 2023, and just two weeks after arriving, at age 41, she discovered a lump in her breast. With her daughter’s encouragement, she scheduled a mammogram at WMMC and was soon diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Her treatment was aggressive, including 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and a hysterectomy. Genetic testing later confirmed the BRCA1 mutation, leading to reconstructive surgery. Through it all, Suzanne drew strength from her family and care team.
Now in remission, Suzanne shares her story to advocate for early detection and prevention. One important message for women in our community: you don’t need a physician referral to schedule a screening mammogram—don’t delay! Suzanne’s courage has been recognized beyond Warrensburg, where she was nominated by Dr. Singh as an Honorary Survivor Model for the 2025 Bra Couture KC, walking the runway as a symbol of strength and survivorship.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support that allows our Annual Ladies’ Night Out event to flourish,” said Tara Carlyle, Strategy & Development Executive. “It’s remarkable to see how this event has grown from a small gathering of fewer than 20 people to a gymnasium filled with nearly 800 attendees. The success of this event, including the scheduling of 158 mammograms, reflects the dedication of our volunteers, staff, sponsors, and community members. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on breast health awareness and early detection.”
Attendees enjoyed VIP perks—including swag bags, self-breast exam window clings, special deals, and t-shirts—and prizes were offered to both breast cancer survivors and general attendees.
Guests could purchase raffle tickets for a one-of-a-kind handmade quilt created by breast cancer survivor Mary Bahner, with proceeds benefiting WMMC’s Empower Through Early Detection campaign, which raises funds to expand breast health technology and make screenings more accessible. Women who scheduled a mammogram by Ladies’ Night Out were automatically entered to win one of five cash prizes totaling $2,000, generously provided by an anonymous donor.
“Ladies’ Night Out has become a cornerstone event for our community, and its impact grows each year,” said Darinda Dick, President/CEO of WMMC. “This event empowers women to prioritize their health and strengthens our mission to provide accessible, high-quality care. Seeing hundreds of women take proactive steps toward early detection is truly inspiring.”
The 13th Annual LNO received generous support from F&C Bank, Central Bank, Jonna D. Albert Accounting & Tax, LLC, The Change Jar, State Representative Brandon Phelps, Joe Good – State Farm, Lotspeich Automotive, Truman Title, Inc., PrintLynx, Community National Bank & Trust, Keith & Wendy Buzzanga, and Fox Heating and Cooling.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and WMMC remains committed to making breast health services accessible to all women. Women are encouraged to prioritize their health and schedule a mammogram, which does not require a provider order, by calling WMMC’s Centralized Scheduling Department at (660) 262-7370.
The Communications & Development Team, who plan and organize the event. Pictured (left to right): Lorna Cassell, Morgan Jones, Amy Walters, Tara Carlyle, and Bailee Imboden.
Darinda Dick, President/CEO of WMMC, speaking during the program.
From left to right: Kayla Morris, Arlene Fulcher, Sara Sizemore, and Katie Glenn — all staff from the Diagnostic Imaging Department.
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.
About WMMC’s Empower Through Early Detection Campaign
Empower Through Early Detection is a community initiative by Western Missouri Medical Center to expand access to breast cancer screenings and improve early detection. This $880,000 project will fund two 3D Mammography Machines (one with biopsy capabilities) and a Specialized Ultrasound Machine—tools that enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce wait times, and make screenings more comfortable. Learn more at wmmc.com/Empower.