DIVAs Night Out

In 2006 Maimah Karmo was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 32 years old. She had no history of breast cancer in her family and when she told her doctor she felt a lump, she was told not to worry. Six months later the lump doubled in size and she began her journey to fight her breast cancer. "If you are under 40, you are your own best advocate against breast cancer. You need to be aware of self examination and integrate prevention into your lifestyle" said Maimah.

During her second round of chemotherapy, with her then three year old daughter Noel at her bedside, Maimah decided to start the Tigerlilly Foundation. She says "as hard as it was, I decided I could live during and after breast cancer and I wanted to use this challenge as a positive catalyst."

Noel, now 6, is her mom's biggest cheerleader and says "sometimes people can't find anyone to listen and my mommy is there to listen."

The Tigerlilly Foundation held its First Annual DIVAs night out at the Fairfax Marriott on June 25, 2009. Guests were greeted by Maimah (pictured above) and an overflowing swag bag. The swag bags included discounts on spa services, delicious smelling soaps and lip glosses, jewelry, pink knit scarfs and so much more. The most important piece of the swag bag was a pamphlet on how to do a self breast examination.


Located in the atrium was every DIVAs favorite... shopping! Vendors included Tomboy tools (pictured above) Cookie Lee Jewelery and KuraDesign Handbags to name a few. Guests also enjoyed pampering with manicures and massages.
After the shopping, guests enjoyed a mother and daughter runway show. The moms wore designs by Ellen Dunbar Designs, Studio Demaxsi by Afua Sam and MNG. The daughters wore MNG by Mango. (shown above by Noel and a friend)
One of the highlights of the evening was a speech by Vernice Armour. (photo above) Vernice is the first African-American Female Fighter Pilot!!! She was a an entertaining and inspirational speaker, teaching the crowd that "a break through mentality leads to a break through life."
The evening concluded with several raffle items including a KuraDesign handbag commissioned especially for this event. (The lucky winner is pictured above with the handbag).