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 “Tackle Breast Cancer,” and the sold-out venue was transformed into a pink stadium complete with football field tablecloths, pink custom helmets and employee referees.

Ladies’ Night Out was an overwhelming success, as over 650 women came for good eats, entertainment and most importantly, education. Upon arrival, each lady walked through a tunnel of local high school cheerleaders chanting cheers about finding a cure for cancer. Attendees were each given a beautiful silk pink ribbon scarf upon entry. Survivors registered at a V.I.P. table and were given a set of pink under eye black that read “survivor.” Ladies were also offered additional goodies if they made a donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Attendees were treated to a mini health fair, which included several visitors 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 served each lady a delicious meal. During their meal, the audience was treated to cheers and stunts by the St. James and Lutcher High School Cheerleaders. The cheerleaders dressed for the occasion using pink pom-poms and wearing pink bows.

Then agenda “kicked-off” with St. James Parish Hospital CEO Mary Ellen Pratt welcoming the audience and describing how battling cancer required much of the same strength and attributes as being a skilled football player. The first speaker of the night was Laura Campbell, oncologist at Thibodaux Regional Cancer Center. Dr. Campbell, who is now seeing patients locally at St. James Parish Hospital, explained to the audience how family history can affect ages for screenings and gave her tips for simple ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Dr. Ryan Jacob, surgeon, was then called to the stage. Jacob, a native of St. James Parish, introduced himself and his new surgery clinic at St. James Parish Hospital.

The survivor portion of the program began as Ethel White, a breast cancer survivor, warmly and humorously addressed the audience, explaining her battle and victory over the disease. Breast cancer survivors were then called by name and years of survivorship to the stage. Each lady received a beautiful rose bud vase. The survivors were then treated to a beautiful, live rendition of “Hero” by renowned recording artist Laura Michelle — daughter of Dr. Jacqueline Kirby, ER physician at St. James Parish Hospital.

The mood at the event lightened as soon as comedian and inspirational speaker John Morgan hit the stage. 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 pink balloons dropped from the ceiling and the audience danced while watching the hospital’s 2012 “Pink Glove Dance” video, which is a Medline-sponsored contest the hospital participated in to raise money for the area’s Komen Foundation.

The hospital is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, volunteers, speakers and employees. The hospital would like to thank sponsors Motiva, Shell, Entergy, Reserve Telecommunications, St. James Boat Club, River Parish Tent Rentals, Spuddy’s, Liz’s Flower Shop and the many other volunteers and donors who helped make this year’s event a huge success. This event helped raise over $3,000 for the Bayou Region Affiliate of the Komen for the Cure Foundation, but a majority of this money stays in the community. Through the Komen Grant, the hospital was able to offer free screening and diagnostic mammograms to a number of uninsured patients. In addition, funds were used for education and awareness resources.

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 local newspapers, on the hospital’s Facebook page and through flyers at local businesses. For more information on upcoming events, visit the hospital’s Facebook page, website www.sjph.org or call 225-746-2952.