The annual event to raise awareness of breast reconstruction is back and this time, planners intend to host the event in-person.
The 7th annual BRAs of the Bay event, presented by Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic, will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 21, at Badger State Brewing Company, 990 Tony Canadeo Run in Green Bay.
The event seeks to close the loop on breast cancer and raise awareness about breast reconstruction rights for breast cancer patients. BRA stands for breast reconstruction awareness.
Federal law mandates coverage of breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients, even if the reconstruction is delayed until after treatment for cancer. It’s a law that many aren’t familiar with.
That’s why Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic is hosting BRAs of the Bay.
“We’re continuing to help women better understand their rights under the law,” says Dr. Elizabeth A. O’Connor, a plastic surgeon with BayCare Clinic. “While breast reconstruction is considered elective surgery, undergoing breast reconstruction can have profound emotional and physical benefits. It can help enhance confidence and self-image after mastectomy.”
BRAs of the Bay is part of a national effort to educate women about their rights under the law.
The Breast Reconstruction Awareness USA Campaign is dedicated to building awareness around breast reconstruction options. Its intent is to “educate, engage and empower women to make the decision that is best for them following a diagnosis with breast cancer. That involves informing women, family members, caregivers and the media that the breast cancer loop remains open until a woman is informed of breast reconstruction options.”
In a local effort to create awareness, the clinic has invited Green Bay-area businesses and individuals to decorate and display a bra in conjunction with National BRA Day, which is Wednesday, October 20.
Online voters will be encouraged to choose their favorite bra at baycare.net/BRAday. Voting takes place October 1 until midnight on October 20.
Tickets to BRAs of the Bay are $20 and donations are being collected to help support the cause.
Eighty percent of proceeds raised during the event will go to Ribbon of Hope, a non-profit organization that is a financial, informational and emotional resource for breast cancer patients in northeastern Wisconsin. Twenty percent will go to the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day USA organization.
The event will follow CDC-recommended guidelines related to COVID-19.