October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those affected and to increase education in regard to early detection. 

By the end of 2024, more than 360,000 women will be diagnosed, this year, with breast cancer. But there is hope. Advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99 percent, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

To help fund the fight against breast cancer, the Lexington Medical Center Foundation will hold its annual Women’s Night Out. It’s Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 p.m. ’till – 9:30 p.m. at the USC Alumni Center. Click here for ticket Information

Donations at the event benefit the Crystal Smith Breast Cancer Fund, established in memory of Crystal Smith, a devoted mother and wife who shared 22 years of her life with Lexington Medical Center. 

“The Women’s Night Out is an opportunity to celebrate breast cancer survivors and their families,” said Thomas Tafel, Lexington Medical Center’s Director of Community Health. “It focuses on local patients and the funds raised to help with the purchase of wigs, post-mastectomy kits, mammograms and other needs of patients in our area. Come together to support survivors, spread awareness, and remind our loved ones to prioritize their health.”

LMC’s Women’s Night Out also features survivor spotlight and survivor fashion show where Lexington Medical Center breast cancer survivor models walk the runway with style.

Another West Columbia effort to benefit breast cancer patients is the Sewority Sisters. 

Sewority Sisters is a group of women who meet every Monday at the Creative Sewing Machine Center on 12th St. in West Columbia’s Triangle City.   Sewority Sisters make quilts for cancer patients at Lexington Medical Center. In the three years the group has been in existence, its members have donated 1,363 quilts to Lexington Medical Center cancer patients. Sewority Sisters have also donated blankets, hats, and pillows to cancer patients, many of them going to breast cancer patients. 

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month,  Sewority Sisters will have a competition of quilts.

Beginning Oct. 21, quilts made by members of the  Sewority Sisters will be on display at  Creative Sewing Machine Center and votes are being recorded for the most-liked quilt. Rachel Branum, president of  Sewority Sisters, said the competition is a way to challenge the quilt-makers and give them an incentive to make more quilts. 

“It’s touching for us to be able to give the quilts to these patients. It’s emotional when they realize we care,” Branum said. “It’s very rewarding for us too, when we see their reaction.” 

Also: Tokyo Joe’s Fourth Annual Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser – Click here for tickets
Friday, October 25, 2024 • 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington

It’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and members of the West Columbia Community are responding. You can help, by buying a ticket to LMC’s Women’s Night Out or by donating to the Sewority Sisters. Email Rachel Branum at: [email protected] to make a contribution.