Bras decorated with flowers, pearls and glitter become colorful works of art, each carrying a story of hope, remembrance or support. Two initiatives use the designs to raise breast cancer awareness.
BraZazzle at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach and Bra-Ha-Ha at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare invite survivors, people living with the disease and the public to decorate bras and share the stories behind their creations.
BraZazzle started in Sentara Princess Anne’s oncology unit and expanded to other departments. It is now open to the public and continues to honor patients and their experiences through this year’s theme, “Every story is unique, every journey matters.”
Betsy Carroll, a community health educator and tobacco cessation specialist with Sentara, said the stories make the initiative meaningful.
“The participants are truly excited to honor their friends and loved ones or tell their special story," she said. "It is a type of therapy, I believe, for those that participate.”
Carroll highlighted “Cycle of Support,” which is decorated with a doll-sized bike and pink and white daisies and butterflies. It is inspired by a friend and colleague living with multiple sclerosis and breast cancer.
BraZazzle raises money by charging people $2.50 to vote. Additional donations can be made, and proceeds go to the hospital auxiliary and programs that offer free mammograms and free or discounted wigs.
BraZazzle partners with organizations, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Lambda Gamma Omega chapter of Virginia Beach and Here for the Girls, a Williamsburg-based nonprofit that provides support and education for women under 50 navigating breast cancer.
Ashley Woodous, the sorority chapter’s president, said members help patients at Sentara Princess Anne by donating supplies, such as hats, blankets and hand warmers. Voting proceeds also support breast cancer patient resources at the hospital.
“It’s so much more than just your vote,” Woodous said. “Women are really being blessed and women are really being supported by everything that happens around this BraZazzle event.”
Carroll said the auxiliary provided free mammograms to more than 50 women last year.
The public can vote on BraZazzle designs online through Saturday, Oct. 24.
“We hope that it will be a reminder that no one’s journey is the same, and each one truly matters,” Carroll said.
Bra-Ha-Ha also pairs creative expression with fundraising.
The campaign began in 2008 to promote Chesapeake Regional’s breast center and grew into an annual fundraiser organized by the Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation. Its 19th annual Awards Show & Auction earlier this month featured more than 160 decorated bras and drew more than 450 attendees.
The bras are on view at Center Court at Lynnhaven Mall, and the public can vote via QR code for the winner of a People's Choice Award through Oct. 29.
Elisa Willis, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s chief development officer, and Tricia Hardy, a media relations specialist, serve on the Bra-Ha-Ha committee.
Businesses, schools, faith-based organizations and families submitted designs inspired by experiences. Breast cancer survivors modeled the winning designs during the awards show.
“It’s the inspiration that goes along with the creativity and the design of the bra," Willis said. "Sometimes the inspiration is what makes the bra make sense.”
Since its founding, Bra-Ha-Ha has raised more than $4 million for breast health services, including mammograms, follow-up diagnostic care, transportation and lymphedema sleeves. Organizers said it helped fund nearly 400 mammograms this year.
Willis recalled a telephone-themed bra honoring its creator’s mother, who died from breast cancer. Its message read, “You don’t call me anymore.”
For Hardy, the playful approach opens the door to a serious topic.
“It’s a fun event for serious conversation and awareness
Visit sentara.com/vote-for-brazazzle and brahaha.org for more information, including how to receive mammograms and other services.
