Each spring since 2007, the Green and Gold community comes together for The Edmonton Elks Women’s Dinner, presented by James H. Brown & Associates, Injury Lawyers.
The 2023 edition of the EE Women’s Dinner takes place on the evening of Thursday, May 4, at Commonwealth Stadium. Tickets are available now.
2023 ELKS WOMEN’S DINNER | GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
Gathering in memory of Pam Monastyrskyj, those attending the EE Women’s Dinner have always known they were making a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer, and over a decade and a half the impact has only grown.
To date, the annual event has raised over $640,000 for the Edmonton Elks Women’s Ovarian Cancer Research Endowment Fund, supporting local researchers in their ongoing work to develop an early detection system and new treatment protocols for ovarian cancer.
The dinner was created in tribute to Pam, a beloved member of the EE family who worked for 21 years in the team’s front office. Pam was just 45 when she lost her four-year battle with ovarian cancer in 2005.
Funds from the inaugural dinner were used to dedicate a room at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Pam’s honour and to support the delivery of compassionate patient care to those undergoing treatment.
Ladies this ones for you🌷
Just a reminder to join us May 4th for our annual Women’s Dinner.
Tickets are still available!
TICKETS | https://t.co/aKZE24ray4#OurTeamOurCity #GoElks #CFL pic.twitter.com/fFIoZKj5rJ
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) April 13, 2023
Each dinner, the Pam’s Hero award highlights an individual who brings positivity in the struggle against ovarian and women‘s cancer. The 2023 recipient is Maria Rivas, a Health Care Aide in Unit 2West at the Los Hole Hospital for Women.
“Maria is always seen going above and beyond for her patients,” says Kristin Martin, Unit Manager of 2West. “She always ensures that their needs are met while also providing comfort and support.
“She advocates for her patients by promoting best practice within her team and by taking the initiative as a lead among her peers while always staying patient centered. She orientates new staff to high standards of care and provides support and guidance following orientation. She excels in teamwork – always is ready to assist and is able to anticipate the needs of her patients.
“She works with patients during very vulnerable and difficult times, as they navigate health challenges including ovarian and other women’s cancers, and she ensures that her patients feel safe, cared for and like themselves during their hospital stay,” Martin continues.
“She is very friendly, approachable and always has a smile on her face. Her positivity shines through and her patients often express how much they appreciated her kind and caring attitude. She makes her patients feel safe, respected and valued as she takes the time to listen and get to know them, their preferences and their wishes.”
This year there will be 3,000 Canadians diagnosed with ovarian cancer, joining thousands of women in Canada that are living with the disease. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer for women and is the most serious women’s cancer.