The sixth annual BRAs of the Bay event will be held virtually October 19 through October 22.
The event, hosted by Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic, seeks to close the loop on breast cancer and raise awareness about breast reconstruction rights for breast cancer patients.
Federal law mandates coverage of breast reconstruction for most breast cancer patients, even if the reconstruction is delayed until after cancer treatment is completed. National BRA Day – Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day – is observed Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
“Our BRAs of the Bay event aids our ongoing efforts to help women clearly 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 practical benefits. It can help enhance confidence and self-image after mastectomy.”
One of the highlights of the annual event is a bra decorating contest. Businesses and individuals will continue that tradition this year. Public voting on all the registered bras will take place online from October 19 through October 22.
Four winners will be revealed during a livestreamed event at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, on the Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic Facebook Page.
In lieu of ticket sales, donations are being collected via a GoFundMe account. Every $20 a person donates will enter them into a drawing for a chance to win a prize package. More information can be found on the BRAs of the Bay page at baycare.net.
Proceeds from BRAs of the Bay benefit the Ribbon of Hope Foundation and the national Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day USA Initiative with support from the Plastic Surgery Foundation, BayCare Clinic Foundation and Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic.
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. According to its sponsoring organizations, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Plastic Surgery Foundation:
- All women who are candidates for breast reconstruction should be made aware of the options available to them.
- All women who are candidates for breast reconstruction should be offered treatment in a safe and timely manner.
- Federal law mandates coverage of breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients, even if such reconstruction is delayed until after other treatments.