02/05/2026
In recognition of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Kindred Care Collective hosted Papapalooza on Saturday, January 31, offering a full day of accessible preventative health services focused on cervical health.
Running from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the event provided community members with the opportunity to book Pap smear appointments, receive education on cervical health and cancer prevention, and practice breast self-exams using educational screening models, all within a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Papapalooza was created to reduce common barriers to preventative care, including limited appointment availability, discomfort around screening, and the competing demands many women face. By offering weekend appointments and pairing clinical services with education and community support, the event aimed to make preventative care more accessible and less intimidating.
“As a working mom myself, I know how easy it is for women to put their own health last,” said Jenna Kress, Nurse Practitioner and Owner of Kindred Care Collective. “Many women spend their lives caring for others at home, at work, and in their communities. Papapalooza was designed to meet women where they are and make preventative care fit into real life. Early screening saves lives, and women deserve care that is accessible, supportive, and respectful.”
The event welcomed individuals at all stages of their healthcare journey, from those attending their first Pap smear to those returning for routine screening or seeking additional education, reinforcing the importance of early detection and informed preventative care.
To enhance the experience, Souris Family Pharmacy supported the event by providing iced coffee, non-alcoholic mimosas, and flavoured water, helping to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.
Kindred Care Collective extends sincere gratitude to the entire team whose dedication and collaboration made Papapalooza a success. Special recognition is extended to dear friend of Kindred Care Collective, Melissa Deitz of Lemon Wedge Marketing Group, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in bringing the event to life. Her passion for women’s health is deeply personal and inspired by her mother, Antoinette “Toni” Styre.
In honour of that legacy, Kindred Care Collective is proud to announce that the next Papapalooza event will take place on May 9, 2026, the day before Mother’s Day. Beginning this spring, the event will be renamed in loving memory of Toni Styre, a licensed practical nurse who made a lasting impact on her patients, colleagues, friends, and family throughout her career.
Toni spent much of her career caring for women in labour and delivery and was known for her compassion, dedication, and advocacy. She was also a busy single mother who balanced caring for others while raising her family, and faced a courageous battle with cancer, further underscoring the importance of preventative care and early detection.
“We do this for women like Toni,” said Kress. “Women who give endlessly to others and often place their own health last. Through this event, we are honoured to continue her legacy and support women in prioritizing their own care.”
“Toni was truly one of a kind.” Shared former colleague and Kindred Care Collective Nurse Practitioner, Laura Wood. “She had the rare gift of turning every St. Joseph’s shift into a fun and uplifting experience, all while fostering a strong sense of teamwork. But it wasn’t just her humour that made her stand out, it was her deep compassion and genuine care as a nurse. Toni was a gem, both professionally and personally.”
With the support of the Kindred Care Collective team, 100 women were supported in their health journeys during Papapalooza. The feedback and encouragement shared throughout the day were deeply meaningful and have motivated the team to continue offering accessible, community-centered preventative care initiatives.
Papapalooza reflects Kindred Care Collective’s ongoing commitment to delivering dignified, practical healthcare that prioritizes prevention, education, and access.
For more information about services or upcoming initiatives, visit KindredCareCollective.ca or follow Kindred Care Collective on social media.
