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).

Calling all DIVAs

On Thursday, June 25^th from 7 – 11 pm for the Tigerlily Foundation’s 1st Annual DIVA (Divine Inspiring Vivacious Aware) Night Out Event to be held at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks, 11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033.

The event itself will feature a fashion show, food, shopping, swag bags, dancing, motivational speakers, raffles, and a lot of networking, mingling, and fun. Special guests or speakers include Julie Parker from WJLA Channel 7, Michael Wright, from WPGC 95.5, Breyuna Williams, Ms. Black DC 2009, and Jasmine Alexis, Ms. Teen DC (among others).

The Tigerlily Foundation helps to educate and empower women and their family members who are fighting breast cancer.

Founder, Maimah Karmo, is a woman who has exemplified strength, courage and faith in order to overcome the devastation of breast cancer, and she has reached beyond the depths of fear to encourage others. Through her advocacy, Maimah has been able to touch women and men around the world. She speaks nationwide, and has been featured in various magazines, including Essence, Ladies Home Journal, Cure Magazine, Women and Cancer, Washington’s Finest and in numerous web-based and regional print publications. She has also been featured on Fox 5, WJLA 7, News Channel 8, the Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and many local and national radio shows, including on XM and Sirius stations.

For more information or tickets to the event, please visit http://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/diva.html.