You know, every Fort Worth Moms Blog event is special to me. It’s a chance for me and other FWMB staff to hang out with the ladies who support our efforts to build community, who challenge us to be more authentic mothers and women, and who encourage us to keep doing what we’re doing. These in-person meetings mean a lot. Of course, when you toss in food and drinks with a heaping of fun (sans the kiddos) — oh, and the giveaways and swag — what’s not to love?!?!
The Best Friend Bazaar, our upcoming Moms’ Night Out, is all of that and more. And this time, the “more” is really personal to me.
Meet my best friend, Bethany. We met in college and became fast friends. She is a mother to three little loves — first grade and younger. She loves to bargain hunt, think deeply, and dance to anything that has a beat. She has the best smile and makes others feel relaxed and welcome.
December 2014 found me welcoming a new baby girl into our family, and then processing the unwelcoming news that Bethany had breast cancer. Imagine my shock and sorrow, when just a handful of weeks later, on January 8, 2015, my sweet friend died from the disease.
I understand this story may not mean as much to you; we hear startling, sad stories all the time. But it means so much to me. This loss has spurred a desire to support and champion other women who are fighting this beast of a disease. Cancer in any form is a tough opponent — physically and mentally. Right now, even one of our own, a FWMB contributor, is wrestling with cancer. So, how can we, how can I cheer for those in the midst of cancer?
Cue the Best Friend Bazaar.
On April 9, 2016, 175 FWMB readers will TAKE OVER the Joan Katz Breast Center for the Best Friend Bazaar. JKBC, as well as the lobby of Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth, will transform into an old world bazaar with dozens of vendors for you to peruse. Think jewelry, handbags, children’s clothing, yummy food, beauty products, home decor, and the like!
- When: April 9, 2016, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- Where: Joan Katz Breast Center at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth, 1400 Eighth Avenue, 76104.
- What: Shop an old-world bazaar with your best gal pals for a night out. Enjoy complimentary food and beverages. Snag swag bags and enter to win one of the fabulous giveaways for the night. (Shhh, don’t tell. We’ll be giving away a DESIGNER handbag.) Learn from the experts about women’s health issues and how you can encourage local women currently fighting cancer.
- How: Oh yes, you need a ticket to attend. Diamond level tickets include the best swag bag FWMB has ever created AND three entries for the giveaways – $40 per person. (There are only 25 diamond level tickets available.) Ruby level tickets include a swag bag AND two entries for the giveaways – $30 per person. (There are 50 ruby level tickets available.) Sapphire level tickets include admission to the event and one entry for the night’s giveaways — $25 per person. (There are 75 sapphire level tickets available.) Please click HERE or on the box below to secure your spot. (Ticket sales end on noon, April 9, 2016).
The Fort Worth Moms Blog is OVERJOYED to shine the spotlight on the Joan Katz Breast Center! The main goal of the Joan Katz Breast Center is to surround its patients with hope and compassion, and to provide a sanctuary and a lifeline when receiving the news, “You have cancer.” While the center specializes in breast cancer, it also has a comprehensive GYN ONC navigation program, and services are available to anyone diagnosed with any type of cancer. A nurse navigator, whose services are free, helps the patient understand diagnosis and coordinate care. The center specializes in non-medical services including patient consultation, yoga, counseling, health, and wellness education. It connects patients and their families to a wealth of community resources. JKBC also hosts weekly multidisciplinary cancer conferences to discuss complex cancer cases.
The purpose of the Best Friend Bazaar is two-fold: (1) Raise funds through ticket sales. JKBC will receive 30 percent of the proceeds from each ticket sold. Portions of your purchases from vendors that evening will also benefit the Joan Katz Breast Center! (2) Raise awareness about the services JKBC provides to area women and provide information about women’s health issues.
Please be sure to follow the Best Friend Bazaar event page, where we will post updates about the event, swag sponsors, parking instructions, and giveaway info. Bring your best friend, celebrate life, and join us at the Best Friend Bazaar!