Barbara Parker of Clayton was among the women at Ladies Night Out last week who have had close calls with breast cancer. She beat the disease ten years ago, and then underwent a successful heart transplant two years ago at UNC Health Care.
“What you’re doing here, giving out health information, introducing doctors and services, …it’s wonderful,” she said.
In spite of the rain, more than 250 women came to the annual breast cancer awareness event at Johnston Health Clayton.
In the atrium, they met local OB/GYN specialists and got massages. In the outpatient lobby, they got fingernails painted, posed for silly photos, and scheduled mammograms at the radiology window.
Local vendors lined the connecting corridor and sold items such as wigs, honey and handbags. Sprinkled in between were Johnston Health employees offering screenings and info about health and services.
At the medical oncology table, Kim Hurley challenged women to find the suspicious cysts in the squishy-breast models.
“It’s a great way to show women exactly how and what to look for,” she said.
In the dining hall, the food services staff served an assortment of cheeses, fruit and sandwiches. A local baker served cupcakes and a ribbon-shaped cake. A local musician sang and played the guitar, adding to the festive feel of the event.
“I’m so glad I came,” Parker said as she snacked alongside others tin he cafeteria. “This has been so much fun.”
Article from Johnston Health’s LifeLiner. Written by Suzette Rodriguez, community relations specialist for Johnston Health.
