In 2007, Girls Night Out began as a small “pay it forward” project by Taunia Oechslin, a breast cancer fighter who was diagnosed at 36 years old and succumbed to the disease on April 9, 2009 at the age of 39. It was her goal that every woman is educated about breast cancer, understands the value of early detection, and receives proper treatment.
The annual dinner in October raises funds through raffles, silent and live auctions. It is attended by over 950 women (the capacity of the venue) and is sold out every year without any advertising. A breast cancer survivor is the main speaker along with the three hospital representatives who receive money as to how it has helped local women and the researcher/doctor who provides a status on his research. There is crying and laughter as women who are fighting; have fought; or who have lost a loved one gather to bond and unite to support one another against the common enemy – breast cancer.
Supporting women who need the financial backing for testing and treatment for life expenses while undergoing such. No women should be denied a mammogram just because she cannot afford it. No women should be denied treatment because her insurance does not cover the treatment or testing. No women should have to worry about feeding and housing herself and her family while undergoing treatment. No women should have to face those types of decisions in our community. Though our organization, voucher programs have been established at three local hospitals to assist with these types of expenses.