Celebrate BRA Day October 16!

 National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day, is October 16, 2013 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

BRA Day promotes awareness and education about post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Jewel, the singer and songwriter, is the national spokesperson for BRA Day and has written a song to benefit patients, “Flower.”

Many women do not know of the various options regarding breast reconstruction, which is a topic that isn’t discussed as much as breast cancer is. Studies have shown that less than a quarter of women know the options they have in breast reconstruction, and even fewer know about the proper timing of cancer treatment and reconstruction surgery and the variability in outcomes.

BRA Day USA supporters help spread awareness of breast cancer treatment and the plastic surgeon’s role in breast reconstruction. Supporters help educate about surgery and financing options. The goal is a broader understanding of the options available to women after mastectomy.

If you would like to start BRA Day event in your area, there is no fee, and you will have a free BRA Day Starter Guide and Marketing/PR Toolkit to help you plan your BRA Day activities. The only limit is your imagination.

Examples of past BRA Day events include:

  • Art contests
  • Seminars or panels by plastic surgeons and insurance agents
  • Flash mob
  • Fundraising events and raffles to support the BRA Fund
  • A “Show and Tell” event in which women can see what live breast reconstruction looks like

To learn more about BRA Day, visit http://www.bradayusa.org/, and watch our website (or sign up for our newsletter) for more information about how we plan to commemorate the day here in Charleston!

Shop Local and Support Breast Reconstruction Awareness!

As you might already know, the month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! And our team couldn’t be prouder to reside in Charleston, where compassion and community-support is never in short supply.

All over our historic city, local businesses have donated raffle items for BRADayUSA, an event happening  designed to promote education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The proceeds from the event will go to the East Cooper Hospital Volunteers to assemble post-op care bags for all breast reconstruction patients upon discharge from East Cooper Medical Center.

Check out these local shops, boutiques, and businesses next time you go out for a little retail therapy! Shopping locally supports your community’s economy, and when you patronize these businesses, you join their charitable efforts in the fight against breast cancer.

So grab your purse, and hit the town! Here is your guide to good karma and great local shopping by the location:

Downtown

LulaKate

Stella Nova

Finicky Filly

One Respe’ Wellness Center

 

West Ashley

Charleston Collections Gifts

Party&Paint Charleston

Paul Baron MD/Cancer Specialists of Charleston

Cynthia Sunde & Robin Hoffman – Premier Designs Jewelry – Independent Distributors

Summerville

Radberry Nails

Mount Pleasant

East Cooper Medical Center

Lowcountry OB/GYN – &  Lisa Henderson, Laser Technician

Chantilly Lingerie

 

Daniel Island

Paisley

 

James Island

Beba Luxe

 

Other:

The Little Black Book for Every Busy Woman

Yes Ma’am Tee

 

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is overwhelmed with gratitude for these sponsors and their commitment to making a difference in our community! For info on BRAdayUSA events happening across the country check out www.BRAdayUSA.org

To learn more about our BRADayUSA on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, visit our Facebook Event page here. Be sure to join us aboard the Carolina Belle to celebrate the event with delicious food and outstanding prizes! Just RSVP to info@naturalbreastreconstruction.com.