It was a night for the memory bank. One filled with friends, laughter and inspiration.
This year, more than 400 people attended Creative Tables for Cancer, meaning a total of 39 tables decorated in all types of themes. As always, themes were left up to the hostesses and as always, individual personalities shined through and unique ideas were presented.
Who doesn't enjoy a treasure hunt every now and then? Pirate-themed tables complete with treasure chests and pirate flags decorated a table or two.
Mardi Gras was the theme of choice for a couple of tables where bright colours, masks and beads completed the look.
Heaven on earth for any candy lover was on hand. Candy, candy and more candy was strewn all over one group's table.
And don't forget about the table of legs. If 'this one's for the girls' was the table's theme, this table did that and more. Everything pink and everything 'girl' littered the table and was a definite eye-catcher as people entered the hall.
During cocktail hour, people meandered through the hall taking a moment to look at each of the tables and appreciate the efforts of the hostesses before taking their place at their respective tables.
With supper being served by their hostesses, guests had the chance to visit with friends, enjoy an excellent meal and prepare for what was going to be a memorable evening of entertainment.
Following supper, organizer Darlene Olsen took the stage to thank everyone for coming and introduce the hostesses in addition to a number of speakers and entertainment.
Hostesses received applause and a hostess gift compliments of Mary Kay as they walked across the stage. Each hostess was introduced by Olsen and praised for their time and efforts, not only for decorating the tables, but for serving their guests.
One of the speakers was Mary Kay's Director of Special Events Dawn Gerry who was on hand to speak with the crowd. Having attended last year, Gerry knew what to expect but was once again impressed with the event and those who were in attendance.
"Look around you," said Gerry. "What do you see? Women from all walks of life, in all shapes and sizes and ages. Now look again. Because what I see are women united to make a difference. To make a difference in the lives of something they may already now, they have never met, or they might not every meet."
Gerry couldn't be more right. The group of individuals in the audience were there for a number of reasons. More than just a girl's night out, this event raises money for two separate programs. The Look Good Feel Good program which is a charity dedicated to empowering women to manage the effects of cancer and its treatments, along with a Saskatchewan shelter for abused women.
More than 70 silent auctions items were on hand to help raise money. While the total raised from the evening is yet to be determined, it was clear that the items were getting the attention of the crowd. Those in attendance meandered by the auction tables every now and then to keep an eye on their latest bid and ensure that their bid remained the highest.
Olsen said "The items that were donated by the businesses were out of this world. There were very, very, very nice products out there." One of those products was a "Look Good Feel Good" quilt made by Marcie Erick which brought more than $500 in bids in addition to a Focus 91 sitting which brought the same.
Country and western recording artist Sheila Deck treated those in attendance to her musical stylings. The audience sat in appreciation of the music, which took place shortly before the introduction of the guest speaker.
And just when the guests didn't think the evening could get much better, Dionne Warner took the stage. Warner, the guest speaker for the evening, is a four-time cancer survivor. Yes, you read that right. A four-time cancer survivor.
An incredible inspiration for anyone who is fighting cancer or knows someone who is, the room went silent and all eyes were on Warner as she told her story.
Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30, Warner started what would become a long journey of fighting against all odds. Warner went on to tell her story that would take the crowd through her own personal journey.
Her story told of her first diagnosis and her personal determination to find out what exactly the lump she felt was. "Upon seeing the doctor, I was told it was nothing to worry about," said Warner. "I felt that I needed a second opinion, and so did my family. The second doctor returned with my results and asked if there was anyone in the waiting room for me. I replied no, [because] I thought it was nothing. I knew then my life would forever change. On Nov. 10th, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I truly believe it was the second opinion that saved my life."
But Warner's message wasn't all serious. Warner showed the humour that it has taken to get through diagnosis after diagnosis of cancer. Following a surgery resulting from her brain cancer diagnosis, Warner said "I remember waking up from the surgery and looking like a Q-tip with my head all bandaged up. All warm and fuzzy I was. When I was released at least 24 hours after the surgery, bandages removed, a dressing placed over my staples, I said I looked like I had caught an Always maxi-pad with wings on my head in the wind. I could not stop laughing and it was nice to have my family there laughing with me."
That good humour combined with the desire to make the chemotherapy ward a "happy place," has meant that Warner and her husband have "danced their way into chemo" a total of 73 times. "We wanted to make the chemo room a happy place and bring smiles to the patients and nurses." And when Warner says dancing, that is exactly what she means. Dressed in a different theme every time, Warner has arrived at the ward dressed as "Save the Ta-Tas" and "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" to name a few.
Warner also told the story of how her family and husband Graham have stood by her side. It was following her diagnosis of liver cancer that her husband-to-be at the time said something that took Warner's breath away. Shortly after hearing the news, Warner told Graham that he didn't have to marry her, and that she would return to her family and doctors in Ontario. "He could tell I was frightened and scared as I lay in my hospital bed," said Warner. "Graham looked at me and said 'You never leave your wingman.' Those words took my breath away."
Warner closed with an inspirational message for all in attendance. "Today I stand in front of you a warrior. Continuing to fight for my life with everything I've got. I continue to believe in hope, faith, medicine and miracles. I am a person of great determination to beat the odds and to never give up. I ask all survivors to embrace the disease, own it and fight back with everything you've got and show cancer whose boss. I know my cancers are running scared."
"I will never say this journey was easy," said Warner. I always gave myself 24 hours to say 'Why me?' and then after those 24 hours I would come to my senses and say 'Why not me and what am I going to do to beat this?' The answer is to never give up or give in."
"The word survivor in the dictionary means one who perseveres through life's challenges, hardships, misfortunes and tragedies. One who refuses to give up, give in or quit trying. One who triumphs over insurmountable challenges and becomes a better person because of it."
"My message to survivors and their families and friends is this."
"Does cancer suck? Yes."
"Survivors. Never be embarrassed that you have been diagnosed with the disease or you are already letting it win."
"Survivors. You need to dig deep into your soul and find the courage and strength and determination to fight back."
"Survivors, family and friends. Let laughter in. It is the best healing treatment to surround all of you. I have laughed and continue to laugh, even when it hurts"
"Everyone. Believe in hope, faith and miracles. You are looking at one. Today I am a sixteen-year breast cancer survivor, a fourteen-year brain cancer survivor, a ten-year liver cancer survivor, a twenty-month bone cancer survivor, and a twenty-month lung cancer survivor.
And most audience members would agree. Standing on the stage was a miracle. And the message that miracle passed on that evening is one that will never be forgotten.
If you missed your chance to attend this year's Creative Tables for Cancer, be sure to catch it next year. And for those wishing for more information on Warner's battle, pick up a copy of her book "Never Leave Your Wingman."
Olsen was more than impressed by this year's event. "I was just blown away. I am just overwhelmed. The guest speaker was amazing. Sheila Deck, the singer, did a fantastic time. The hostesses did an amazing job. The guests were great. I was blown away."
And so too, were the quests in attendance.
