PENN TWP — Celebrants went all out at the sixth annual Butler Health System Ladies Night Out on Thursday at Butler Country Club.

With more than 300 visitors and about 30 vendors, women — and men — spent the evening shopping, munching and supporting cancer patients in Butler County.

Raising money for cancer support services at BHS was the game. The goal was $15,000. Even before doors opened Thursday night, the event had raised more than $10,000.

“We have so many survivors who will be in the crowd,” said Kris Bowser, BHS Foundation events manager. “The whole night is you can just do whatever works for you.”

The health system's cancer support services are the result of a partnership between UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and BHS. Support is available for all cancer types in both men and women.

For many people, having a cancer diagnosis can be disarming.

“It really affects their whole life,” Bowser said.

By offering a department specific to cancer support services, BHS aims to help people manage their lives while getting through their treatment.

There's a new support program this year: Styling it Right and Looking Your Best. A certified salon stylist from Creative Hair Solutions in Pittsburgh will be available soon to show chemotherapy patients how to comfortably wear makeup and wigs.

Such events are free and supported through donations from fundraisers such as Ladies Night Out, where a $20 donation could provide a free makeup bag to a cancer patient.

Program helps hundreds

Stacy Meyer is a medical social worker. She is involved with the support program, which helps hundreds of Butler County residents annually.

“We operate on donations,” Meyer said. “All these women tonight … are supporting our support services.”

Cancer support services include providing chemotherapy patients with free wigs and “accessories,” such as chemo beanies. The program also helps with co-pays, transportation, and grocery and gas costs. “The neat thing is people say, 'What do I owe you?' ” Meyer said. “And I say, 'Nothing.' ”

Meyer said she lost her mother to cancer, and if she can help someone going through the same experience — or someone seeing someone go through it — she will.

'Blessed to help'

“It's hard to believe that something like this can feel so happy,” Meyer said. “But I think people just feel so blessed to help.”

Vicki Kane is a breast cancer survivor from Beaver County. She sold one-of-a-kind cards and paper crafts at Ladies Night Out. It was her third time at the event.

Though she didn't go through chemotherapy, Kane said she has friends who did. Kane knows what the treatment can mean for some women.

“Everybody's different,” Kane said. “(And) there's always hope.”

Sisters Lauren Kaufman and Vanessa Heitzer attended with their mother, Kate Glover, whose mother had ovarian cancer and whose sister had breast cancer.

Glover is an annual Ladies Night Out sponsor.

“Seeing anyone go through any type of chemo is rough,” Heitzer said.

For this family, Ladies Night Out is “women supporting women.” Three of Kaufman's in-laws have had breast cancer, so she appreciates any opportunity to spend time with family.

Raising money for a good cause

“Anytime we have a reason to get together and raise money for a good cause (is good),” Kaufman said. “It's nice to just get together.”

“We're all pulling together for the same cause,” Meyer said. “We're just all here to support each other.”

Kane understands the importance of support. Laughing a lot is what got her through her diagnosis.

“You got to find laughter,” Kane said. “Find your sense of humor.”

The first Styling it Right and Looking Your Best event is Oct. 17 in the support services office at the cancer center on Technology Drive in Butler.

Call 724-431-1822 to learn more about BHS cancer support services.