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Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day

10/19/2023

Grateful For Generosity

It was just a normal Friday afternoon as Mary Louis was wrapping up her day as a teacher when she received the news. A text from her physician said, “The results from your biopsy are back and we are 80% sure that it is cancer.” 

She was in disbelief as she had always been in good health, and cancer has never been seen in the family. Louis quickly found out that she had triple negative breast cancer, which is the most aggressive type of breast cancer. It affects mostly young, pre-menopausal women of color. After months and months of treatments she received donated skin grafts.  

“I am truly grateful for the life that I have now, but all this would not be possible if not for [such a] generous and thoughtful gift,” Louis says.  

What is Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day?

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize a day known as BRA Day, which fell on Oct. 11 this year. BRA Day’s goal is to educate, engage and empower women, and men, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is dedicated to raising awareness regarding breast reconstruction options available post-mastectomy.  

Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) celebrated BRA Day by hosting an event where Mary Louis shared her story and information with staff. We observe BRA Day to embrace all aspects that contribute to making breast reconstruction possible for cancer survivors and to educate anyone unaware of their reconstructive options. We also recognize the roles that DNA and tissue donors play in helping breast cancer survivors get back to normal and healthy life, both physically and mentally.  

At DNA we organize such events to ensure that individuals of all ages, both women and men, are educated about breast cancer and are aware of what to watch for during a self-examination. Following the presentation, the afternoon carried on with various activities, including crafting cards for cancer patients, signing pink ribbons to honor loved ones and a photobooth.  

Give hope

You have the potential to give hope and healing to breast cancer survivors. To register as an organ and tissue donor, visit DonateLifeAZ.org. 

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