LIFESHARE HOSTS LOCAL BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AWARENESS DAY EVENTLifeShare hosted its annual BRA Day on October 19. This is a yearly initiative designed to promote education, awareness and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.
LifeShare is the organ procurement organization in Oklahoma responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. To aide in breast reconstruction, plastic surgeons use donated tissue to act as a scaffolding in providing additional protective layers under the muscle for the implant in the patient. This sling is a biologic mesh made possible by the gift of donated tissue. Just one tissue donor can help up to ten post-mastectomy reconstruction patients. This year, LifeShare gave away free tacos from Big Truck Tacos to those who donated blood, donated a bra or showed that they were a registered organ donor on their driver’s license. More than 114 bras were collected which were donated to the YWCA Shelter. Approximately 40 individuals donated blood. |
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day inspires women to understand that life beyond breast cancer can be fulfilling. BRA Day is yet another example of donation saving and enhancing lives.
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is a collaboration between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Plastic Surgery Foundation, breast centers, nurse navigators, corporate partners and breast cancer support groups.
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is a collaboration between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Plastic Surgery Foundation, breast centers, nurse navigators, corporate partners and breast cancer support groups.
CANCER SURVIVOR SHARES JOURNEY OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
LIFESHARE TO CELEBRATE BRA DAY
After surviving breast cancer and a mastectomy, one Oklahoma woman opted for a breast reconstruction in an effort to gain her life back. October 19 is national Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA Day) and LifeShare is celebrating the gifts given by tissue donors and those who have received life enhancing gifts.
Carrieann Bradway, of Oklahoma City, was carrying her first child while she watched her mother fight breast cancer at 42 years old. As Carrieann neared the same age, she became more cautious of potential cancer and mentioned the family history to her physician. She was leery of his suggested mammogram, as her insurance had not paid for one in the past. Still unsure, Carrieann decided she could not afford to ignore the suggestion and scheduled the screening.
After her mammogram, the physician called her in for an ultrasound and a few weeks later for a biopsy. On December 2, one day after the biopsy, the doctor called her during her shift at work and told her news she never thought she would hear -- she had cancer. Her thoughts began to blur and she tried to stay busy at work after hearing news that would change her life.
She went home that day and shared the news with her husband, Marc. The couple was distraught with the unknown of what would happen. Together, they decided to tell their children. A week after sharing the news, their oldest son was suspended from High School, and a few days later her youngest was suspended from grade school. The diagnosis of breast cancer began to take a negative toll on not only Carrieann but also her entire family.
Carrieann Bradway, of Oklahoma City, was carrying her first child while she watched her mother fight breast cancer at 42 years old. As Carrieann neared the same age, she became more cautious of potential cancer and mentioned the family history to her physician. She was leery of his suggested mammogram, as her insurance had not paid for one in the past. Still unsure, Carrieann decided she could not afford to ignore the suggestion and scheduled the screening.
After her mammogram, the physician called her in for an ultrasound and a few weeks later for a biopsy. On December 2, one day after the biopsy, the doctor called her during her shift at work and told her news she never thought she would hear -- she had cancer. Her thoughts began to blur and she tried to stay busy at work after hearing news that would change her life.
She went home that day and shared the news with her husband, Marc. The couple was distraught with the unknown of what would happen. Together, they decided to tell their children. A week after sharing the news, their oldest son was suspended from High School, and a few days later her youngest was suspended from grade school. The diagnosis of breast cancer began to take a negative toll on not only Carrieann but also her entire family.