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Save The BOO-BIES- A Spooktacular Night for Breast Cancer Awareness

Save The BOO-BIES

A Spooktacular Night for Breast Cancer Awareness

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

 

When it comes to battling breast cancer, every small effort counts. With startling statistics from the National Breast Cancer Foundation revealing that one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, the need for support and awareness has never been greater. In 2024 alone, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will receive an invasive breast cancer diagnosis. Yet amid these challenges, hope shines brightly: the 5-year relative survival rate is an impressive 99% when caught early. With over four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., early detection is of the utmost importance to keep that statistic on the rise and the best way to accomplish this is by promoting awareness.

   Enter Maddy Ryan, the inspiring owner of Symmetry, The Aesthetics Studio, who is transforming lives right here in Ashland. Ryan is dedicated to improving the quality of life for breast and ovarian cancer survivors – not just locally but nationwide. “We are celebrating having done over 200 free procedures to enhance the lives of our amazing breast and ovarian cancer survivors,” shared Ryan.

Through partnerships with organizations like Sharsheret and The Sauler Institute, Ryan has made it possible for survivors to access vital aesthetic services at no cost. “I never imagined that I would be asking my clients about their flights in,” she laughed. “It’s incredible to witness how far we’ve come. Just two years ago, using health insurance for these services was unheard of!” This growth marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward greater support for survivors.

   One of the best ways Ryan has raised awareness about breast cancer is through her annual “Save The BOO-BIES” event. Symmetry will host its annual “Save The BOO-BIES” event on Oct. 12, 2024, at 6 p.m. This Halloween-themed fundraiser promises to be a spooktacular celebration, filled with exciting activities, ghoulish cocktails, and thousands of dollars in giveaways.

    “This event is about raising awareness for breast cancer while having an incredible time,” Ryan emphasized. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their most enchanting costumes or eye-catching outfits as they join together to support a meaningful cause. The evening will feature tarot card readings, psychic mediums, live machine demos, and various vendors, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.

   With more than $30,000 in giveaways, including a chance to win free Botox for a year, this event is set to be one of the highlights of the year. Those in attendance will enjoy an open bar with witchy elixirs and a delicious spread of tapas. Tickets are available for $30, which not only grants entry but also supports Sharsheret, the nonprofit partner that helps provide free services to breast cancer survivors in the area.

Maddy is particularly excited about a new addition to this year’s event: “AKY Photography will be set up at our Save The BOO-BIES event, providing empowering headshots for our amazing survivors, totally free! We always like to do something special for our survivors at this event, and I think this is my favorite yet.” It’s a heartwarming initiative that recognizes the strength and resilience of those who have faced cancer, allowing them to capture their beauty and bravery in a stunning photograph.

   AKY Photography is a local photography business that owned by Kourtney Hall Heineman and Tiffany Evans. For Heineman the opportunity to raise awareness and give back to the community hits close to home. “Cancer is a word that my family is all too familiar with. In October 2009, we began the journey with my mom who was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ll never forget standing in the kitchen when she told my sister and me. She was brave and bold and told us that she would do whatever it took to beat it, and she did. It was a year full of uncertainty but there was one thing we knew for certain; she was going to fight like heck but while she did, we were all to keep on living. She underwent surgery, chemo and radiation, she worked, she came to every event, and she fought with a smile on her face,” shared Hieneman.

   Hieneman recalled a memory that will forever stay with her, “One cold afternoon, my mom called and asked me to come over and shave her head. We laughed and we cried, and she asked if she’d ever feel beautiful again. Little did she know, in that moment she was the strongest and most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. My Mom fought breast cancer, and she won but it wouldn’t be the last time we heard the dreaded word, cancer. In June of 2022, my Mom, Lea Anne Broughton Hall lost her battle with her third cancer diagnosis since 2009. These pictures that we will be doing at the Save the Boo-bies event are for her and for the beautiful woman that she was. I want to be able to give other survivors the gift of seeing themselves the way I see them - bold and beautiful.”

   Tickets are just $30, which covers entry and supports Sharsheret, the nonprofit partner that helps provide free services to breast cancer survivors. “Thank you for the love and support from all of our clients,” Maddy said. “Your contributions help us continue our mission to empower and uplift our community.”

  With October being the pinkest month of the year, let’s all come together to celebrate and support those affected by breast cancer. As Ryan puts it, “We are so excited to see what this month has to bring.” Together, we can make a difference – one procedure, one event, and one survivor at a time!

   As October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ryan encourages everyone to join in the spirit of support and empowerment. “Thank you to all of our clients for your love and support. Your contributions help us continue our mission of uplifting our community,” she stated.

   The “Save The BOO-BIES” event is more than just a fun night out; it is a collective effort to bring awareness to breast cancer while fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

   For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased through Symmetry The Aesthetics Studio’s Facebook page. Located at 2154 Carter Ave, Ashland, KY, this promises to be an evening that blends excitement with a powerful message of hope and resilience.

   Join Maddy Ryan and Symmetry, The Aesthetics Studio as they continue to uplift and empower breast cancer survivors everywhere. It’s time to celebrate life, love, and the spirit of community – so let’s make this year’s Save The BOO-BIES event a night to remember!

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The Ashland Beacon’s owners, Philip and Lora Stewart, Kimberly Smith, and Jason Smith, established The Greater Ashland Beacon in 2011 and over the years the Beacon has grown into what you see now… a feel-good, weekly newspaper that brings high quality news about local events, youth sports, and inspiring people that are important to you. The Greater Ashland Beacon prides itself in maintaining a close relationship with the community and love nothing more than to see businesses, youth, and civic organizations in the surrounding areas of Boyd and Greenup counties thrive. 

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