The Lady Ball- St. John's

A special shout-out to our retail sponsors for outfitting THE LADY BALL St. John’s role-models tomorrow night: @meljacdesigns , @sooleydesigns , @alwaysinvoguenl , @inclusive_fitness_canada and @denise_nichols_designs by Denise Nichols.

Thanks for making our role-models shine like the outstanding members of our community they are 

Kate Bazeley is a competitive runner, part time running coach, and dedicated mother who has managed to balance the demands of elite athletics with raising her three daughters. Her greatest pride lies in showing her daughters the power of passion and inner drive, demonstrating that they are limitless and stronger than they know. Kate’s achievements as a runner are extraordinary, having been a member of Team Canada seven times, most recently competing at the World Cross Country Championships in Australia and Serbia.

Kate’s impressive accolades include being a finalist for Sport NL in 2023, a winner in 2022 and 2010, and multiple-time St. John’s Athlete of the Year, including in 2023. Her journey is marked by perseverance and a relentless work ethic. She explains, “I love to think I might be outperformed but I won’t be outworked, and then I am always happy with my performance on race day! I tell my kids that as well – it’s okay to be outplayed and not win, but don’t be outworked.”

Despite her fear of heights, Kate recently faced her fear head-on by riding the giant Ferris wheel in Old Montreal with her daughter. She applies the same courage to her racing career, where competing in elite fields at marathons like Boston and Chicago often brings its own set of nerves.

Her advice to her younger self is simple: “You don’t know what you are capable of!” Kate wishes she had pursued her passion for distance running earlier in life, but she’s grateful to still be competing internationally at 40 years old.

Cancer has touched Kate’s life personally, with the loss of her mother six years ago and her sister’s recent battle with cervical cancer. Being part of THE LADY BALL is an honor for Kate, as it allows her to contribute to a cause close to her heart while standing alongside other incredible women. Kate believes having lady balls means having courage and strength. Kate says, “There are no stronger women than those who have faced hardships in life, and illness head on. Having inner strength for whatever life throws at you or for whatever you choose to do. I think lady balls can grow and know no bounds, and that women are constantly showing the true definition of strength.”

See Kate at THE LADY BALL this Thursday!

Get ready to groove with Billy and the Bruisers! The band will join us at THE LADY BALL St. John’s this Thursday at the Emera Innovation Exchange. The exciting event is so much more than a good time: all funds raised go towards changing the lives of women living with #ovariancancer and those at risk of the disease.”

Jennifer Williams is a professional engineer who serves as the President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, where she takes immense pride in contributing to the provision of clean energy. Her work ensures that the benefits of this sustainable energy source reach the people of the province and the region, today and into the future. On a personal level, Jennifer is equally proud of her two wonderful daughters, who are pursuing challenging educational paths that will equip them to face life’s many hurdles. 

Reflecting on her career and life, Jennifer advises her younger self to say yes to opportunities, even when they cause temporary discomfort or hardship. “You truly have no idea where your life will be in one, five, or 20 years,” she says, “but saying yes opens up an expanding suite of opportunities.”

Jennifer’s current mantra centers around a story of two wolves, representing the good and bad inside all of us. She reminds herself and others to feed the good wolf, the one that embodies kindness, bravery, and love. 

Her determination to respond when underestimated, and her unwavering advocacy for those she represents, stand out as her most admirable qualities. This fierce determination has helped drive her decision to participate in THE LADY BALL as a role model. She explains, “The challenges in my daily life pale in comparison to the challenges some of the women face on their cancer journey - I can manage being materially out of my comfort zone at THE LADY BALL (which I know I will be) if it helps in some way support those who on their journey.”

 Allison Whelan is a Managing Partner at St. John’s Stewart McKelvey. Her drive and energy have propelled her to the top of her field, earning her recognition as a Lexpert Rising Star in 2023. Allison’s educational journey is a testament to her determination—she went back to school to obtain her Masters in Tax Law while caring for her infant child, proving that no challenge is too great when balanced with perseverance and commitment. 

She believes in the value of playing the long game and advises that success is not linear but a slow burn. “Be strategic, be kind, and be patient,” she says, knowing that those who stay the course will ultimately succeed. 

Allison’s favorite mantra, “I want it more than I fear it,” perfectly encapsulates her fearless approach to both her career and life.

Thanks for being a fabulous role-model in THE LADY BALL St. John’s. See you on the runway, Allison! 

Shoutout to THE LADY BALL St. John’s teal sponsors! 

East Coast Catering Ltd, Mindful Matters, Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador, Fortis Inc., SimplyRadiant.ca, Terra Nova GMC Buick - Terra Nova Motors, EY, and GSK: by sponsoring THE LADY BALL, you’re supporting transformative #ovariancancer research, game-changing advocacy initiatives, and community programming. Thank you for furthering progress for women and those at risk of ovarian cancer. 

Gudie Hutchings is a Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains with a passion for representing the voices of rural and small-town Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as well as all Canadians. She is also the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Her work with the ACOA allows her to positively impact businesses, non-profits, and communities throughout Atlantic Canada. On a personal note, Gudie is a proud Nanny to her two granddaughters, Victoria and Chiara, who bring immense joy to her life, even if she wishes she could spend more time with them. 

Gudie once faced the daunting task of starting her own business in remote Labrador, which involved living in a tent for six months, braving harsh conditions, and flying in construction supplies. That said, she got it done.

Gudie is one to take chances, and to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. Her favourite quote perfectly encapsulates her approach to life: “Be the kind of woman that, when your feet hit the floor in the morning, it makes the devil say, ‘Oh no, she’s up.’” 

Gudie remains committed to lifting up the next generation of remarkable women in Newfoundland and Labrador, drawing from her experiences working alongside some of the best in business and government. Gudie agreed to participate in THE LADY BALL because she wants to encourage women to speak up and use their voices. She says, “Ovarian cancer is one of the hardest cancers to detect, women can go months before they ever notice it. So, you must be clear with your doctors and healthcare team. You need to know the symptoms and speak up for yourself. This lesson does not just apply to our health, as a former business owner, and now sitting around the cabinet, the most successful women are the ones who speak up for themselves and help others find their voices.”

Gudie, thank you for participating in THE LADY BALL St. John’s and  using your voice to shine a spotlight on #ovariancancer. See you on the runway! 

  A heartfelt thank you to Steers Insurance, Sequence Bio, Young’s Industrial Refrigeration Ltd, The Landells Clinic, Always In Vogue , Downhome Magazine, Marco Group Ltd and KMK Capital Inc. 

As silver sponsors of LADY BALL St. John’s, your support of the first LADY BALL in Newfoundland and Labrador is a testament to your commitment to changing the lives of women living with #ovariancancer as well as those at risk of the disease both here and across Canada.

Join us on September 19 for an unforgettable evening of fashion, fun, and entertainment, all while connecting with the local community. 

Shining a spotlight on role-model Bonnie Morgan. Belles with Balls very own Co-Chair and warrior!

Bonnie Morgan is a dedicated Co-Chair of Belles with Balls NL. Since her diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2010 at the age of 54, Bonnie was determined to support others facing the disease and to raise awareness about its symptoms. With the support of her gynecologic-oncologist, Dr. Lesa Dawson, her husband Charlie, her sister Barbi, and close friends, she established the Ovarian Cancer Research and Education Fund (OCRE) in partnership with Memorial University. Since then, OCRE’s active fundraising arm, Belles with Balls NL, has raised over $560,000 and has organized educational symposiums, created a documentary, and developed numerous promotional products to increase awareness of ovarian cancer.

Bonnie's efforts have not gone unnoticed. During her career in the hospitality industry, she received the Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards for Hotel Newfoundland and Atlantic Region Employee of the Year for CP Hotels. The Belles with Balls NL have been recognized with the Community Member Health Champion Award from the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University and the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

Facing ovarian cancer has been the biggest challenge of Bonnie's life. Since her initial diagnosis, she has experienced five recurrences, including her current battle. Bonnie describes, “Despite the overwhelming fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis and its subsequent recurrences, I try to face it with courage and a proactive attitude. Sometimes I still feel like I am talking about someone else when I speak of it. I cope with adversity by trying to focus on the positives, to think of the good things in my life and how I can use those to help me get through the tough times and to help others. I’m also blessed with a supportive husband, family, and a close network of friends.”

As a role model in THE LADY BALL, Bonnie explains that, to her, having lady balls means “when faced with difficulties or obstacles one should not give up, but rather continue to push forward. It encourages purpose and strength in the face of adversity. Overcoming adversity requires resilience, determination, and a willingness to persevere. Never ever give up on those you love.”

Bonnie's favorite quote, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass," perfectly encapsulates her approach to life. She continues to inspire others with her strength, positivity, and dedication to improving women's health in her province.

With community champions like Bonnie rocking the runway on September 19, you won't want to miss this incredible event!

 Shoutout to the gala’s gold sponsors, Woodward Aviation and Breakwater Books Ltd.! As proud sponsors of THE LADY BALL St. John’s, their commitment to this cause is furthering progress for women and those at risk of #ovariancancer. On behalf of OCC, Belles with Balls NL and our community, we extend a warm thank you for believing in our missions and supporting THE LADY BALL.
 

 Sheila O’Neill is an Indigenous Relations Manager at World Energy GH2 and a member of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. Furthermore, she is a founding member of the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, which was established in 2005, and she is also a celebrated author, having co-authored two books with Chief Mi’sel Joe: My Indian (Breakwater 2021) and its sequel Suliewey (Breakwater 2023), with a third book in the series currently in the works. My Indian was honored with the Independent Publisher Silver Medal for Multicultural Fiction in 2022. 

As a Traditional Knowledge Holder and Drum Carrier, Sheila carries the esteemed responsibility of performing Sacred ceremonies, providing cultural support, conveying knowledge and teachings, and leading the well-being of her community. This honour was bestowed upon her by the Mi’kmaq community in recognition of her lived experience and teachings passed down by respected Elders. 

Sheila has an adventurous spirit and a willingness to embrace new challenges. After an ovarian cancer scare at age 40, Sheila reevaluated her life and decided to learn how to ride a motorcycle— a passion she enjoyed for several years before “retiring” from motorcycling. In addition to her bravery, Sheila is known for her optimism, sense of humour, and kindness. 

Sheila recognizes the importance of working hard, surrounding yourself with good people, and never letting fear stand in your way. Her mantra reflects her belief in the importance of good health: “Any time you have a problem that can be fixed simply by throwing money at it, you don’t really have a problem. Good health is everything.” 

Being asked to be a role model in THE LADY BALL is a profound honour for Sheila, as it aligns with her commitment to inspiring others, especially young Mi’kmaq women. She believes that “Strong women create strong families, and strong families create strong community. We are in this together.” 

Sheila, we’re honoured to welcome you to the runway. See you at THE LADY BALL St. John’s! 

 The Honourable Judy Foote has dedicated her life to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Now retired, Judy is proud to have broken numerous barriers and to have set a powerful example for future generations. 

As the first woman to serve in many significant roles—such as the first female Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, the first female Director of University Relations for Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador, the first female elected in the provincial District of Grand Bank, and the first female to represent Newfoundland & Labrador in a federal cabinet—Judy has always prioritized encouraging girls and women to reach their full potential. 

Furthermore, throughout her illustrious career, Judy has been recognized with several prestigious honors, including being a Member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada (PC), receiving the Order of Newfoundland & Labrador (ONL), and being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee Medals. 

Determination is a quality that has driven Judy’s many achievements. As a two-time breast cancer survivor and a recent stroke survivor, she embodies her favourite motto “mind over body” as she explains, “Believing in yourself and being a survivor requires a strong mind because the body will always be tired if you let it.” 

Judy is happy to participate in THE LADY BALL as she says it is “so important to get the message out that having cancer doesn’t have to be a life sentence.” She advocates, through her firsthand experiences, that surviving life’s toughest challenges requires lady balls.

Thank you for joining us at THE LADY BALL St. John’s, Judy! 

A shout-out to our presenting sponsor, AstraZeneca!

THE LADY BALL St. John’s is proudly presented by Astra Zeneca, whose commitment is furthering progress for women and those at risk of #ovariancancer.

On behalf of OCC, Belles with Balls NL and our community, we extend a warm thank you for believing in our missions and supporting THE LADY BALL.

As THE LADY BALL St. John's platinum radio sponsor, Ovarian Cancer Canada and Belles with Balls NL would like to extend a huge thank you to Classic Hits Coast 101.1 for their support.

By being a valued sponsor, Classic Hits Coast 101.1 is proudly showing their dedication to transforming the lives of Canadian women and all those at risk of ovarian cancer through transformative #ovariancancer research, game-changing advocacy initiatives, and community programming.

Thank you!

You don’t want to miss this highly anticipated event. Your ticket to THE LADY BALL St. John's grants you access to fabulous entertainment, scrumptious food and drinks, a top-notch silent auction, and a stellar fashion show featuring local role models.  

 Petrina Bromley is a versatile performer whose career reached new heights as an original Broadway cast member of 'Come From Away'. This role has been transformative, deepening her pride in her roots as a Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

In her personal journey, Petrina faced a significant fear: driving. She put off getting her license until her 30s, but once she finally took the leap, she discovered a newfound love for being behind the wheel.

Petrina’s most admirable qualities include her sense of humor, determination, organization, and loyalty. These traits have been instrumental in her success both on and off the stage. Her determination is reflected in the wisdom she reminds herself, “The road may be longer than you want it to be, but it gets there in the end.” Her sense of humor is rooted in the belief that “laughter is the best medicine.”

When asked to be a role model in THE LADY BALL, Petrina felt honored. To her, having lady balls means “facing the challenges that life throws at you head on with tenacity and resilience.”

We can't wait to see you on the runway in September, Petrina! 

Patti Power is the Divisional Head of Gynecologic Oncology at NL Health Services, where she has dedicated over 25 years to managing gynecologic cancers across Newfoundland and Labrador. Clinically, she takes immense pride in the evolution of her team’s capabilities, from advanced surgical techniques to the upcoming implementation of robotic surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). Offering state-of-the-art medical care to her patients is deeply rewarding for Patti, and she is committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements – “Progress in medicine has often been difficult,” she says, “You’ve got to stick with your advocacy for your patients.” 

Academically, Patti is also passionate about her role with the Learner Wellbeing and Success team, where she helps guide and support medical students through the challenges of their demanding careers. Her dedication to education has earned her several national and international teaching awards, and she is particularly proud of being the recipient of the Dean of Medicine Ovarian Cancer Grant, which supports the exploration of factors impacting the survival of ovarian cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

In her personal life, Patti is most proud of her beautiful family. Her grown children keep her grounded, often reminding her that she’s not as smart as she thinks she is, which coincides with her grandmother’s favourite quote “There’s no point in getting older if you’re not getting smarter!” 

Initially hesitant to participate in THE LADY BALL, Patti agreed when she realized the event's purpose was to highlight female role models in the community. She wanted to emphasize that while many strong and inspiring women are celebrated, The Lady Ball is intimately linked with all the strong women that have or have had ovarian cancer. Patti believes that “while there will be many amazing, smart women being highlighted at NL's first LADY BALL, there are no women who demonstrate courage and resilience more than those with ovarian cancer.” 

Dr. Power, thank you - we're thrilled to have you walking the runway on September 19!

As the exclusive hair and make-up sponsor of LADY BALL St. John’s, we give a big shout-out to Hair Factory. Our stunning role models will be hitting the runway all glammed up after being pampered by Hair Factory on September 19. 

Thank you for providing fabulous hair and make-up for THE LADY BALL St. John's!

Yvonne Rumbolt-Jones is a Member of Parliament for Labrador, serving with the Government of Canada. Yvonne is proud to serve the people and places she loves as she strives to make a positive impact in her community every day. 

In her personal life, Yvonne has an admirable sense of humour and she gets the most joy from empowering and uplifting other women. 

Believing in the importance of confidence and hard work, Yvonne lives by the mantra “Just around the corner.” Where she reminds herself that “regardless of what life throws at us, we all have the ability to turn that corner.” 

Yvonne describes having lady balls as having courage to face the challenges we encounter in life – such as when she conquered her fear of heights by going zip lining. She added to this by saying that having lady balls means “standing up for yourself and others with conviction and knowing you have the power and strength to move mountains!”

Don't miss out on the most anticipated event of the year in St. John's. Get your LADY BALL tickets today: https://ovariancanada.org/events/the-lady-ball-st-johns

Taylor Giovannini is the President and CEO of Oceanic Releaf Inc., a trailblazing cannabis company. Through her work, she was honored as one of the 2024 Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine (ABM) and recognized among the 2024 Top 25 Most Influential Women by the same publication. 

Her tenacity, "get it done" attitude, strong work ethic, and heart are qualities that define Taylor and that drive her work - when starting Oceanic, she had very limited knowledge other than recognizing the healing potential of cannabis and has now grown the company to where it is today. She also consistently tells herself: "Dream big, feel it, and go after it. If you fail, do it quickly and pivot." This mantra, "Fail fast, and pivot," underscores her approach to both business and life. 

Based in Burin, Newfoundland, Taylor is most proud of her family and the close-knit community that surrounds her. Her son and her partner serve as her constant inspiration and motivation to keep pushing boundaries. 

Taylor is proud to be a part of the Lady Ball and defines having lady balls as “feeling empowered to conquer anything that comes our way. It’s equality. It’s empowerment. It’s a tribe of WOMEN.”

 See Taylor walk the runway on September 19 at Emera Innovation Exchange: https://ovariancanada.org/events/the-lady-ball-st-johnsment 

Dana Parsons is known for her roles as a radio host on Coast 101.1 and as a singer/performer with Spirit of Newfoundland and Our Divas Do Christmas. Dana's passion lies in bringing joy and laughter to people's lives through her work. She believes that laughter and music are powerful tools that can uplift and provide a temporary escape from life's challenges, and she takes immense pride in being able to offer that solace to her audience. 

Dana's impressive accolades include winning the APMAR Recording Award at Sheridan College, the Jo Havilland Acting Achievement Award at Sheridan College, and the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award. These honors reflect her dedication and talent in both her radio and performing careers. 

Despite her fears, Dana has taken on challenges like the "Over the Edge" challenge for Special Olympics NL, rappelling down the side of the Verafin Building on Hebron Way. Additionally, Dana acknowledges the occasional fear of stepping onto the stage, but her love for performing always triumphs over her fear. Ultimately, she is guided by her mantra to live life to the fullest and have no regrets. 

Saying yes to being a role model in THE LADY BALL was an easy decision for Dana. She explains “The Lady Ball is important because this group of incredible people are doing such amazing work in our communities. Some of the strongest, most inspiring individuals I have met are through the Belles with Balls organization and I am truly honoured to be a part of this event.” 

Thank you for joining us at THE LADY BALL St. John's, Dana!

Thank you Collingwood Spirits and Wines for their amazing Gold Level sponsorship!

Meet one of our fabulous role-models, taking to the stage on September 19! 

Florence Strang is a Registered Psychologist and the CEO of Mindful Matters Psychological Services INC. With a profound dedication to her field, Florence works to make a positive impact in the area of psychological services for children in Labrador through her team's annual traveling clinic. 

In her professional journey, Florence has been recognized as Psychologist of the Year in 2018, an honor voted for by her peers. She is also a published author and a former TEDx speaker, among other impressive accomplishments. 

Florence is most proud of her three amazing grown children. As a mother of two children with disabilities—one physical and one intellectual—she is particularly proud of her role in supporting and nurturing their development. 

Florence's courage shone through when she decided to leave her secure job with the government to start her own clinic. This bold move has led to the successful establishment of two clinics, reflecting her resilient and entrepreneurial spirit. 

For Florence, having lady balls means the willingness to embrace big challenges, which is also encompassed in her father’s mantra “Do what you fear, and your fear will disappear.” 

For the first time ever! On Thursday, September 19 at Emera Innovation Exchange, THE LADY BALL lands in St. John’s. The event is proudly presented by Stewart McKelvey. 

As a long-time sponsor of Ovarian Cancer Canada and THE LADY BALL, Stewart McKelvey has shown time and again their dedication to transforming the lives of Canadian women and all those at risk of ovarian cancer. They are a valued sponsor and champion. 

Thank you, Stewart McKelvey, for making this event a reality!

This event  SOLD OUT in Halifax and Charlottetown, you don’t want to miss this highly anticipated evening! Your ticket to THE LADY BALL St. John’s grants you access to fabulous entertainment, scrumptious food and drinks, a top-notch silent auction, and a stellar fashion show featuring local designers and role models.