Yes, it’s true, I’ll say it. EVERYONE loves TaTas. There’s no denying it. All sizes, shapes and colors of the rainbow, we love ’em and aren’t ashamed to say it. And with all the fun slogans out there, we can have a little fun promoting Breast Cancer awareness month.
But for the women (and men) who have fought and are still fighting breast cancer, it’s no joking matter. A breast cancer diagnosis can be one of the scariest things to hear. Beyond the fear of possibly loosing a physical attribute so highly prized by our society, more women are diagnosed with breast cancer than any other cancer, excluding skin cancer.
This year, an estimated 266,120 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 63,960 women will be diagnosed with in situ breast cancer. An estimated 2,550 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that 41,400 deaths (40,920 women and 480 men) from breast cancer will occur this year. Those are sobering statistics.
The good news is, with early detection, the average 5-year survival rate for people with breast cancer is 90%. The average 10-year survival rate is 83%!
These numbers alone are reason enough to get involved in some sort of breast cancer awareness campaign or charity this year. I don’t know a person that hasn’t been touched by breast cancer in one shape or form throughout their life. For those currently battling breast cancer and the families that have lost loved ones to breast cancer, it can often be hard for us to know how to help. The Flagler Avenue Business Association has for years hosted a Chili Cook-Off and Bras for TaTas Auction as our way of attempting to do just that.
This year’s Bras for TaTas Auction will be held at Flagler Tavern on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10am to 2pm. During our live auction we will be auctioning off hand decorated bras, services, gift card, jewelry, gift baskets and more during our brunch service from 10am to 1pm in the main stage area. But more important this year is the wonderful local charity Charlene’s Dream we have teamed up with.
What is Charlene’ Dream?
Charlene’s Dream is a warm and welcoming haven for those with cancer, seeking to get information. It is a grassroots community-based resource center, wrapped up to look like a boutique! It’s a place to try on wigs, hats, mastectomy bras, lymphedema sleeves and breast prostheses. It is a place where ALL cancer patients can feel free to ask questions and get FREE help and assistance.
Charlenes’ Dream is a 100% volunteer run program. Their facilitators are oncology (cancer) professionals and many are cancer survivors themselves. They host classes, support groups and special events for those affected by cancer.
So take a few hours out of your busy Biketoberfest weekend this Saturday, to sit down, have a little brunch and a pink mimosa or two and help us raise money to benefit the wonderful volunteers at Charlene’s Dream. More information about Charlene’s Dream
–Food for Thought–
Elaine
