The Gillete Pedestrian Bridge donned bras of all shapes, sizes, colors and textures on Saturday in a “chain of hope” for the third annual Bras Across the Grand event, hosted by the American Cancer Society and sponsored by St. Mary’s Healthcare, Farmer’s Insurance Group and Grand Valley State University’s Colleges against Cancer.

The chain celebrates those who have survived breast cancer, reflects on those who have lost their battle and provides hope for those currently battling.

“Our goal is just to keep pushing forward and find a cure,” said Kristen Cichon, the public relations chair of Bras Across the Grand. “(Breast cancer) can affect anyone at any time.”

All were invited to either bring their own bra or donate $5 to decorate a bra to contribute to the chain. People were also given the opportunity to donate and vote for their favorite bra on the bridge. Participants decorated bras to show their own personality, to tell their story and even to honor a loved one.

Some women, like Donna Eggleston, a two-time cancer survivor, even walked around with their decorated bras on the outside of their shirts before hanging them on the wire.

“How often do we get to walk around like this?” Eggleston said, smiling. “You need to be able to laugh about it.”

Along with participants’ donations, many vendors, including Biggby Coffee, the Mitten Ladies, St. Mary’s, Amanda McGrail Salon, Little Black Booth and the Pink Rack Project set up booths at the event, contributing a portion of their sales to the American Cancer Society. Colleges Against Cancer was also at the event selling their “WTF – Win The Fight” t-shirts.

A free zumba class, taught by Kate Rhemus of Live. Dance. Move. Dance and Fitness, was offered to event attendees, and a silent auction was held for people to bid on a number of prizes such as gift baskets, trips to Double JJ Ranch and tickets to see Carrie Underwood in concert. All proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society.

At noon, a group gathered for the survivor celebration, where breast cancer survivors were recognized and given pink carnations. Women of all ages who have been cancer free for months and even decades stood on stage and proudly shared their story with applause from the audience. Survivors were given access to mini massages, manicures and other goodies and pampering.
Joy S, a seven-year cancer survivor, counts every day as a blessing.

“You can’t control your loss, but you can control your positivity,” Joy said. “True it’s a problem, and true it existed, but you have to move forward.”

Breast cancer is the number one public health concern facing women today and one of every two women diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to the American Cancer society. An estimated 226,870 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in both men and women in the United States in the year 2012.

To learn more information or to receive help and support from the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-277-2345 or visit cancer.org

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