Lutcher – St. James Parish Hospital recently hosted its annual Pink Ribbon Ladies’ Night Out at the St. James Parish Boat Club. This year’s theme was “A Pink Tie Affair,” and the sold-out venue was transformed into an elegant nightclub complete with employee and volunteer “waiters” all donning sparkly pink bow ties. This year’s Signature Sponsors included Motiva and Mosaic.
Ladies’ Night Out was an overwhelming success as over 650 women came for a delicious Italian-inspired meal, non-stop laughter and most importantly, lifesaving education. Upon arrival, attendees were each given a custom bag imprinted with sponsor names, a pink ribbon cosmetic case and a women’s health planner gift set. Survivors were directed to a V.I.P. table and were each given a satin pink ribbon-shaped “survivor” banner so attendees could easily spot those that battled the disease.
Attendees were treated to a mini health fair, which included several vendors promoting breast cancer education and offering resources to those affected by cancer. St. James Parish Hospital’s Digital Radiology Department, Cancer Services of Baton Rouge, the American Cancer Society and the Komen for the Cure Foundation were among the participants. After visiting educational booths, volunteers and hospital employees took on the role of waiter and served each lady a delicious meal.
The agenda began with a prayer followed by St. James Parish Hospital CEO Mary Ellen Pratt, dressed in theme, welcoming the audience. The educational speakers of the night were Dr. Ryan Jacob, general surgeon and clinic physician at St. James Parish Hospital and Dr. Thomas Sands, reconstructive and plastic surgeon. Jacob discussed the steps and options for surgery following a breast cancer diagnosis while Sands described the pros and cons of different reconstructive options post-surgery.
The survivor portion of the program began with an empowering video as Gayle Miller, breast cancer survivor and retired St. James Parish Hospital nurse, warmly and humorously addressed the audience explaining her battle
and victory over the disease. Breast cancer
survivors were then called individually by name and years of survivorship to the stage. After all survivors were together on stage, everyone referenced lyric sheets and sang the survivor song together.
Immediately following such an empowering dedication, the final and most anticipated speaker of the event was called to stage as chants and cheers from the audience filled the room. Comedian and inspirational speaker John Morgan hit the stage full-energy and had the audience laughing immediately. Morgan has been featured on MTV and has opened for famous acts such as Jerry Seinfeld. Through his hilarious stories, Morgan focused on the strength of women and cancer survivors. The night concluded as once again Pratt reminded attendees why this event is so important and how donations to the Komen Foundation help the community.
This year’s event was the first to offer official sponsorships to the community. This year’s Ladies’ Night Out helped raise nearly $2,400 for the Bayou Region Affiliate of the Komen for the Cure Foundation. Seventy-five percent of this money stays in the community. Through the Komen Grant, the hospital funds 40 free screening mammograms including five free diagnostic mammograms and five free breast ultrasounds for uninsured or underinsured women in St. James Parish.
Entry at this year’s event was by pre-purchased ticket only. Future events will also require tickets. Ticket sale dates will be announced through L’Observateur, on the hospital’s Facebook page and on the hospital’s website. For more information on upcoming events, visit the hospital’s Facebook page or website, www.sjph.org.