McPherson Center for Health, in partnership with the McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau, invites women throughout the region to attend The M Factor 2: Before the Pause, an evening dedicated to education, awareness, and support surrounding perimenopause and menopause.
The event will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the McPherson Opera House and will feature an expanded vendor fair, catered food, giveaways, a screening of The M Factor 2: Before the Pause, and a live panel discussion with local healthcare experts.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-party and vendor fair. Attendees who purchase a $25 pre-party ticket will enjoy catered food, a drink ticket for the bar, access to local vendors and resources, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals and other women navigating similar experiences.
At 7:00 p.m., attendees can enjoy a free screening of The M Factor 2: Before the Pause, a documentary that explores the realities of perimenopause and menopause and the impact these life stages can have on women’s health and well-being.
Following the screening, local healthcare providers will participate in a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Panelists include:
- Dr. Sarah Buchanan, MD
- Melisa Kieffer, PA-C
- Suzanne Fleming, MS, RDN, LC
- Shawna Johnson, DNP, APRN-BC, AG-ACNP, RN
The event follows the success of the original The M Factor event held in January 2026, which sold out and generated strong community interest in women’s midlife health education as well as the opening of McPherson Center for Health’s Menopause Clinic.
“We were overwhelmed by the response to our first event and grateful for the feedback attendees shared,” said Carol Fickes, Chief of Provider and Clinic Operations at McPherson Center for Health. “Women told us they wanted more time to connect, visit vendors, and explore available resources. We listened and expanded this year’s event to create an even better experience. Our goal is to provide education, support, and access to trusted healthcare information so women feel empowered to navigate this stage of life with confidence.”
Based on attendee feedback from January’s event, organizers have expanded the vendor fair into its own dedicated space and extended the pre-party experience to accommodate additional attendees and provide more opportunities for networking and education.
Perimenopause, which can begin as early as a woman’s 30s or 40s, is the natural transition leading up to menopause. During this time, fluctuating hormone levels can contribute to symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, brain fog, and weight changes. Despite affecting millions of women, many report feeling unprepared for the transition and unsure where to find reliable information and support.
The event aims to help bridge that gap by connecting women with healthcare providers, community resources, and evidence-based information in a welcoming and supportive environment.
McPherson Center for Health extends special thanks to Cindy Goldsmith, whose vision and leadership helped bring the original event to the community earlier this year. Additional thanks go to the McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau for serving as a co-sponsor and to Sheldon Press for generously donating books that will be given away during the event.
Registration is now open. Pre-party tickets are $25 and include catered food, one drink ticket, vendor fair access, and entry into giveaways. The movie screening and panel discussion are free and open to the public.
For more information or to register, visit https://mcphersonhospital.jotform.com/form/m-factor-2 or contact McPherson Center for Health at [email protected].
