Left to Right: Tonie Brovont, owner of OWLYN; Sophia Cole, breast cancer survivor and 2012 calendar model; Suzi Wyman and Barb McKessy, owners of Ultimate Image & Esthetique, which is a full service salon; and Dr. LaKeeya Tucker from Alliance Obstetrics-Gynecology (in the middle of Wyman and McKeesy) collaborated this year on “It’s a Breast Thing”. Photo by The New Citizens Press
BATH, MI — Almost 400 people walked through the doors to support “It’s a Breast Thing” fundraiser. The mission of this non-profit is to provide women in the Greater Lansing Area with resources regarding breast cancer. The funds raised will stay in the community (Eaton, Ingham, Clinton and Shiawasee) for diagnosing and treating breast health issues. They also have support from a number of other physicians and businesses in the community.
“It’s a Breast Thing” is held every year in the month of October during Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year Dr. Maude Guerin from Alliance Obstetrics-Gynecology and Joy Berwald, Fitness Director of the Westside YMCA were featured speakers at the program held on October 4, 2011 at the Eagle Eye Golf Course. The featured program was “The Total You: Inside & Out”.
The event is the brainchild of 4 women: Dr. Carol Slomski , Tonie Brovont of OWLYN and Suzi Wyman and Barb McKessy, owners of Ultimate Image & Esthetique, which is a full service salon. These 4 women understood that there was a need for financial assistance to those who could not pay for some of the medical expenses associated with breast cancer.
There were flamboyant bras were auctioned to raise funds. Supporters can also still purchase a 2012 “It’s a Breast Thing” calendar to further help their fundraising efforts.
Sophia Cole, a 2012 calendar model, said, “I really don’t like to have my picture taken but I thought this would be a chance to not just defeat cancer with my faith but to defeat my fear of looking funny in pictures.”
Cole also mentioned that the support that she has received has been great. She said she wants women to know that if you find out you have breast cancer to just lean heavy on your faith and your family and let breast cancer know that it will not defeat you physically, spiritually or mentally. Her husband, Greg Cole, and her two daughters have been her rock through her entire ordeal.
Having breast cancer is devastating for family and friends and the more support systems that are in place the better. For more information, to purchase a calendar or to download an application for assistance, log on to www.itsabreastthing.org.
Take Control of Your Health, and Reduce Your Cancer Risk
– Stay away from tobacco
– Get to and stay at a healthy weight
– Get moving with regular physical activity
– Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and
vegetables
– Limit how much alcohol you drink (if you
drink at all )
– Protect your skin
– Know yourself, your family history and your risks
– Have regular check-ups and cancer screening tests
For more information about cancer, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. A conversation with your doctor who knows your personal history may also be in order.
This was printed in the October 9, 2011 – October 22, 2011 Edition.
