Attendees of the Ballad Health Foundation’s Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser give a standing ovation to Stephanie Brown, Amy Brunty, Diane Caldwell, April Dotson, Sarah Fuller, Anita Greene, Jennifer Hurt, Miranda Mingle, Marlene Mitchell, Vicki Reeser, Trish Reed, Colleen Semonesc, Jana Tritt, Heather Tranberger and Amy Williams. The women, who all survived their battles with breast cancer, participated in the event as models in the fashion show. CONTRIBUTED
Wine Women & Shoes, hosted by Ballad Health Foundation, raised more than $159,000 to increase access to and affordability of breast cancer screenings in the region.
Nearly 800 local women will receive assistance through proceeds from this fourth annual event, held at the Virginian Golf Club. Wine Women & Shoes gives underserved women the ability to receive lifesaving exams and screenings, such as 3-D mammograms, breast MRI tests and genetic analyses and counseling.
“It’s no secret – early detection for breast cancer saves lives,” said Clay Rolston, executive director of Ballad Health Foundation. “But for far too many women in our region, the cost of these screenings can delay a diagnosis until the cancer reaches an advanced stage or spreads, when it’s more difficult to treat.
“The generosity of everyone at Wine Women & Shoes has made it possible for more women in our region – who might have otherwise remained undiagnosed until it was too late – to fight breast cancer and win.”
Wine Women & Shoes drew nearly 300 attendees and included silent and live auctions and exclusive shopping at the event’s marketplace, which showcased vendors of women’s clothing and accessories.
To highlight the special nature of this event, keynote speaker Katy Sikorski, a breast cancer survivor and Ballad Health patient, shared the story of her breast cancer journey and recovery. Plus, breast cancer survivors Stephanie Brown, Amy Brunty, Diane Caldwell, April Dotson, Sarah Fuller, Anita Greene, Jennifer Hurt, Miranda Mingle, Marlene Mitchell, Vicki Reeser, Trish Reed, Colleen Semonesc, Jana Tritt, Heather Tranberger and Amy Williams served as models for the fashion show.
