Shantel Lanerie passed away last year after battling breast cancer. The Derby Divas event supports breast health at Norton Cancer Institute and helps fund mammograms for underserved women in our community.

Story by: Rebecca Hall on April 15, 2019

This year’s Derby Divas event will honor and remember Shantel Lanerie, the wife of jockey Corey Lanerie. Shantel passed away last year after battling breast cancer. 

Corey and Shantel met at a race track in their home state of Louisiana. He was a jockey and Shantel’s dad was a trainer.

They were married for 10 years before they had their daughter, Brittlyn.

According to Corey, Brittlyn is equal parts her dad and mom.

“She likes to play jokes on people, like me,” Corey said. “But she’s very responsible like her mother. Before she goes to bed at night she makes sure everything is in its place and her alarm is set for the morning. Shantel and Brittlyn also shared a love for dance.”

According to Corey, Shantel was his backbone and support, and her main goal in life was to raise Brittlyn.

“Shantel was a good person. She would do anything for anyone,” Corey said. “She took care of everything.”

Shantel’s breast cancer diagnosis and death taught Corey to live every day to the fullest.

“If you want to do something, do it,” Corey said. “Hug your loved ones and always say I love you.”

Related Content: Q&A with breast health patient navigator Missy Ulfe

Carrying on Shantel’s legacy through events like Derby Divas is important, according to Corey.

“I think it’s important to raise awareness around breast cancer to help other women,” Corey said. I think that’s what Shantel would want us to do.”

The Derby Divas event is April 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rodes For Him and For Her, 4938 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Kentucky. Attendees can shop for Derby attire and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, while supporting breast health at Norton Cancer Institute.

Funds raised from the event make a big impact on the women in our community, including those receiving care at Norton Cancer Institute. Support of Derby Divas also helps fund initiatives like mobile prevention units, which bring mammograms to communities who may lack access.

The event also features a raffle for a stay on a private island in Belize. The drawing will be held during the Derby Divas event, but you don’t need to be present to win. Net proceeds from the raffle support Norton Cancer Institute through the Norton Healthcare Foundation.

Tickets are $100 and the getaway package includes:

• A seven-night stay for two on Cayo Espanto, a private island in Belize
• Accommodations, meals, snacks and cocktails
• $1,000 toward airfare
• Package valued at over $10,000