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Charity – Communities making a difference for local hospitals

by Aine Cryts, Contributing Reporter | December 08, 2015
From the December 2015 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine


What most people don’t think about is breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. That’s precisely the reason that De La Cruz decided to get involved in BRA Day USA about four years ago. Since then, BRA Day Pittsburgh has raised about $20,000. A portion of that money goes to support BRA Day USA, whereas the remainder is used locally for education and awareness events. Organized on a national level by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Plastic Surgery Foundation, BRA Day USA provides an opportunity to educate communities around the country about the ability to reconstruct the breast after total mastectomies due to a breast cancer diagnosis, said De La Cruz.

If you’ve had to lose your whole breast, it’s harder to get on with things, she said. Still, only 20 percent of women fully understand their breast reconstruction options, according to BRA Day USA. “Women think they’re vain [to consider breast reconstruction]. Women in general learn to live with it. That’s women’s nature,” said De La Cruz. BRA Day Pittsburgh 2015, which took place at Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Museum on Oct. 21, featured an art show with mannequin busts created by local artists, some of whom are breast cancer survivors. The event included performances by a modern dance and live music ensemble called the Attack Theatre, and the Pittsburgh Dance Company. Money was raised from tickets purchased for the event and the sale of mannequins.

As Robert F. Kennedy once put it, “The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” Maybe it’s creating a piece of art or attending an event — or adding mileage to your walking shoes. However you can help further the mission of your local hospital, it’s time to contribute.

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