Lexington Medical Center Hosts Women’s Night Out for Breast Cancer

Posted by: Jennifer Wilson, Public Relations Manager | September 27, 2012

West Columbia, S.C. – Lexington Medical Center is pleased to announce that it will host its annual breast cancer event Women’s Night Out on Tuesday, October 16^th at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.  Women’s Night Out will feature a silent auction, fashion show, dinner and keynote speech from a breast cancer survivor.  Proceeds from Women’s Night Out will benefit the Lexington Medical Center Foundation’s Crystal Smith Fund, which helps women undergoing cancer treatment purchase needed supplies.

Women’s Night Out has become a premiere breast cancer event each October in the Midlands.  It recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Months and honors cancer survivors and their families.  With more than 500 people attending each year, Women’s Night Out has become so popular that it’s moved to a larger venue this year to accommodate requests for tickets.

“Women’s Night Out is an uplifting evening that leaves everyone feeling inspired,” said Barbara Willm, vice president of Community Relations at Lexington Medical Center.

This year’s speaker is Dee Dee Ricks, a breast cancer survivor and motivational speaker.  Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38, Ricks went through extensive treatment, including bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstruction.  Then, she channeled her energies toward treating cancer patients in underserved communities in New York City.  She has developed a national coalition of patient navigators to improve standards of practice and compassionate care for underserved individuals.  She also created a documentary of her breast cancer journey called The Education of Dee Dee Ricks, featured on HBO.

Women’s Night Out 2012 begins at 5:45 p.m. on October 16^th with a women’s health exhibit, silent auction and cash bar.  Dinner will be at 6:45 p.m.  There will also be a fashion show featuring styles from Belk modeled by breast cancer survivors.  And, each attendee will receive a special gift, plus coupons and giveaways for stores and services.

Tickets are $35 each.  You can also reserve a survivor sponsor table for 8 for $300.  To order tickets, please call 803-791-2445 or visit www.lexmed.com.

Each year, Women’s Night Out raises more than $25,000 for the Crystal Smith Fund.

Lexington Medical Center’s breast program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and the American College of Radiology (ACR).  Lexington Medical Center has four Women’s Imaging Centers and a state-of-the-art digital mobile mammography van that travels throughout the Midlands.  Through an innovative program known as "Five Day Detection to Diagnosis,” Lexington Medical Center provides answers about the health of a woman’s breast within five days after detection of a lump or abnormality. 

News reporters and photographers are welcome to cover Women’s Night Out.  With advanced notice, interviews with the keynote speaker, organizers and breast cancer survivors can be scheduled.  Please contact Jennifer Wilson, Lexington Medical Center public relations manager, if you plan to attend.  Or, be there at 6:15 p.m. for pre-dinner interviews.  You can contact Jennifer Wilson on her cell phone at 803-447-3122.

About Lexington Medical Center

Lexington Medical Center, in West Columbia, S.C., anchors a county-wide health care network that includes six community medical centers throughout Lexington County and employs a staff of 5,200 health care professionals. The network also includes the largest extended care facility in the Carolinas, two occupational health centers and more than 40 physician practices. At its heart is the 414-bed state-of-the-art Lexington Medical Center, with a reputation for the highest quality care. Lexington Medical Center won "Best Hospital" by readers of The State for ten years in a row, "Best Hospital" by readers of the Free Times, "Best Place to Have a Baby" by readers of Palmetto Parent, the "Consumer Choice Award" from the National Research Corporation and the prestigious "Summit Award" from Press Ganey.