Heather Latter
The Rainy River District Breast Health Network wanted to focus on laughter and breast health awareness at its first-ever “Bras for a Cause” event—and that’s exactly what they did.
“Mission accomplished,” chuckled network chair Teresa Hazel.
“We wanted people to come out and have a lot of laughs and from my view of the room, that was what was going on,” she noted.
The sold-out event, held Thursday night at the Legion, featured “Ivanka” (Jo-Ann Waytowich of Thunder Bay), who offered a comedic sketch on preparing for a mammogram.
The other highlight was a “Designer Bra” fashion show, with male models showcasing bras designed by local individuals and organizations.
“It worked out just awesome with those who came forward to model,” Hazel enthused, noting seven models took part.
Following the skit by “Ivanka,” the models strutted their stuff on the runway and onto the stage to show off the various bra creations, which then were voted on by those in attendance.
Bernie Rittau, director of Diagnostic Services at Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., who also oversees the Riverside Breast Health Program, was up first on the catwalk.
He modelled a “big or small” bra to signify that whether you have big or small breasts, you need to get a mammogram.
The bra was designed by the staff of Diagnostic Services.
Pete Atkinson, a young local entrepreneur who recently opened A&S Consignment here, was up next showcasing a “bling bra” designed by Jennifer Horton of Curvy Chick.
Then Dr. Barry Anderson, a surgeon at La Verendrye Hospital, who also involved with the Chemotherapy program at Riverside, hit the runway with a train-themed bra–“All aboard to derail breast cancer”—designed by the OR staff.
Mark Caron, president of Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and owner of M.L. Caron Electric here, modelled an “electrifying” bra designed by Chamber manager Annely Armstrong-Thorstad.
Chris Palmer, a student at Confederation College here taking the paramedic course, showed off the “Treasure Chest” bra designed by Arlene Georgeson of George’s Gently Used.
Doug Wright, a volunteer firefighter with Fort Frances Fire Department, then modelled the “glamour” bra—to “shine the light” on breast cancer awareness and prevention.
The bra was designed by volunteers from the Rainy River District Breast Health Network.
The final model, though not a male one, was June Keddie, an 85-year-old breast cancer survivor and long-time member of network who showcased a pretty, gypsy bra designed by Krista Kellar.
“It was so much fun—there was a real energy in the crowd and the models really got into it,” Hazel remarked.
Dr. Anderson was crowned the winner, with second place going to Rittau and third place to Wright.
“They were such good sports,” Hazel added.
With 2014 being an off-year for the biennial “Luncheon of Hope,” the breast health network wanted to focus on a holistic approach to wellness.
“Whether that be eating right or exercise,” Hazel noted.
“And our focus this year is laughter being the best medicine, and having fun and taking care of yourself that way,” she added.
There certainly were a lot of laughs throughout the evening, particularly during “Ivanka’s” performance.
“We were so glad she was able to come,” Hazel said. “She really strikes people.
“She just touches on things that people can relate to around getting old, the health-care system.
“People were just laughing and laughing,” Hazel recalled, noting one of the male models arrived while “Ivanka” was still on stage and commented on the roar of laughter radiating from the room.
With all the positive feedback she is receiving about the event, Hazel expects it is one they certainly could hold again down the road.
However, the network will be focused next year on the “Luncheon of Hope,” so perhaps “Bras for a Cause” will return the following year.
But with all the laughter, Hazel also noted the seriousness of “Bras for a Cause,” which also was meant to promote awareness about breast cancer and total breast health for women of all ages, especially given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Early detection remains the best prevention,” she said about the importance of women getting to know their breasts and taking notice of anything out of the ordinary.
“Get it checked,” she encouraged. “Don’t wait and see.
“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at [age] 39 back in 1983,” Hazel said. “At that time, there was not the awareness about the importance of small irregularities being scanned quickly.
“The technology has changed and the treatment options have changed since that time, but the message remains the same,” she stressed, referring to the mission of the Rainy River District Breast Health Network.
“Cancer does not discriminate,” Hazel said. “It can happen at any age and the sooner it is detected, the better.”
Hazel said mammography can detect very small lumps, and currently the province funds mammograms for women age 40 and over and for those who have a family history of breast cancer.
Women under 40 are encouraged to educate themselves about signs and symptoms that may occur in their breast area and may signify a need to be checked.
The Riverside Breast Health Program can help with that education.
Appointments do not require a referral and can be made by calling 274-1900.
