What Does Shingles Awareness have to do with Kansas City?
#SponsoredbyGSK I was invited to attend the Kansas City Chiefs playoff game against the Houston Texans as part of a group of amazing women who are a part of the THRIVE@50+ campaign to raise awareness about shingles. Donna Kelce was our host, and we had so much fun spending the weekend together and watching the game from a VIP suite. This experience was a dream come true for me because I was one of three influencers who were invited to be a part of this star-studded squad.
THRIVE@50+ Shingles Awareness Campaign
This is the second time I have worked with this group of women for the THRIVE@50+ campaign for shingles. I was with Donna Kelce (Mama to Travis and Jason Kelce), Brooke Shields (actress), Gina Torres (actress), and Susan Noles (Golden Bachelor), as well as my fellow over 50 influencers, Karen Clay-Fenderson and Adelina Winfield.
Alex Guarnaschelli (Food Network Chef) and Roselyn Sanchez (actress) joined us in Kansas City for this campaign. On Saturday morning, we spent the morning at a tailgating-type brunch, playing lots of fun games that answered questions about shingles and having wonderful conversations about being middle-aged women, mothers, and grandmothers.
Our job as influencers and actresses is to raise awareness about shingles on our social media platforms.
You can see one of my posts here. Here is one I did with Karen and Adelina.
What is Shingles
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later, causing shingles. 99% of adults 50 years of age and older already have the virus that causes shingles inside their body, and it can reactivate at any time, even though not all of them will develop it.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that typically causes a painful blistering rash. It usually affects older adults or people with weakened immune systems. The rash normally appears on one side of the face or body and lasts two to four weeks.
There are steps you can take to prevent shingles. If you’re 50 years of age or older, ask your doctor or pharmacist about your risk for shingles and about vaccination.
Learn more about shingles.
Game Day
Before the event, makeup artists greeted us. I love seeing how someone else applies makeup to me. Although I never color my eyebrows, my stylist thought I looked better with darker ones.
What do you think?
We were all dressed for the football game, and I wore an all-black outfit with snow boots to keep my feet warm. My boots first appeared in this post.
The conversations were very enlightening and very funny.
Gina Torres and Donna Kelce are absolutely delightful women. Other than Susan Noles, I spent most of my time talking with them.
I was partnered up with Adelina for a game of GSK Cornhole Toss, and we beat Karen and Susan Noles!
At the Game
We were lucky enough to be in a suite since it was 7 degrees that day!
Roselyn Sanchez and I. She’s so beautiful inside and out!
Fun time had by all!
Poor Mama Kelce spent a lot of time getting her picture taken. She is very popular at the Chiefs game!
The Fontaine Hotel
During this trip, we all stayed at the Fontaine Hotel. The hotel is located downtown and within walking distance of Country Club Plaza. However, it was freezing outside, and the hotel was kind enough to drop us off to shop.
My king-size room was perfect and spacious!
Coffee shop in the lobby
Igloos on the top floor for private parties
The restaurant and bar are located on the top floor of the hotel.
Where I ate in Kansas City, and I highly recommend them!
Final Thoughts
Of all the celebrities, Susan Noles (Golden Bachelor)stayed close to us during the entire weekend. We taught Susan about Instagram and social media. She was so much fun to spend time with!
I am blessed to have had this experience in Kansas City and to have worked with GSK to spread awareness about shingles.
My health is a priority, and it is important to be present for the experiences that shape me. I know so many of you out there feel just like me, and I don’t want anything to get in the way of this season of life.
Protect your power and ask your doctor or pharmacist about your risk for shingles and about vaccination.
Until next time!
XXOOXX
Wow, this looks like a lot of fun, while delivering an important message. And with a great group of women!