More than courageous in her personal fight against breast cancer, Taunia became a community advocate against this malignancy.  She established this annual fundraising event to raise both money and awareness of preventive measures available to all women.  She referred to herself as a “Breast Cancer Fighter” to encourage women everywhere to fight back against this terrible disease.  It was Taunia’s goal to raise $40,000 each year, one dollar for each of the 40,000 women who die annually from breast cancer.

Taunia was very special but not because she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36…not because she fought a great fight against an ugly disease…not because she died at 39 leaving both a young son and husband BUT because she believed in a concept of “paying it forward.”

While her “paying it forward” was shown in many ways, the First and Second Girls Night Out in Altoona and here in Johnstown were her favorite events.  Being able to spend time with other breast cancer fighters to raise money to fight this disease was her single focus.

The Annual Taunia Oechslin Girls Night Out® raises money for the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center at Windber Medical Center. All proceeds are used towards increasing breast cancer awareness and ensuring “cutting edge” breast care for every woman in our community.

In 2007, Girls Night Out began as a small “pay it forward” project by Taunia Oechslin, a breast cancer fighter who was diagnosed at 36 years old and succumbed to the disease on April 9, 2009 at the age of 39. It was her goal that every woman is educated about breast cancer, understands the value of early detection, and receives proper treatment.

To date Taunia Oechslin Girls Night Out® has raised over $1,140,000 for the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center and is the largest dinner event in Johnstown with 800 women in attendance.

We all know women who have been affected by this terrible disease and have seen the impact this disease has on those stricken and on their families.

The event has grown by leaps and bounds each year in both attendance and dollars, but we can’t do it without you! We need your continuing support to ensure the 15th Annual event is an even bigger success.

Everyone can help by choosing to donate baskets and/or specialty items for the pink raffle, silent and live auctions. We truly appreciate your support. Donating an auction item (big or small) ensures that your business will be promoted to all women in attendance.

We look forward to having you and your business support Taunia Oechslin Girls Night Out®.