ROYAL OAK, Mich. — October is breast cancer awareness month. On October 3, 2015, it was time for the 7th Annual Bras for a Cause at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. “Bras for a Cause” began with the courage of Shannon Watson and continues in her memory.
Laura Varon Brown, Executive Director and CEO of Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit, says Shannon is the reason whey we are here today. “We had a model today, named Samantha, who is going through chemotherapy and she is losing her hair. Today at the Clubhouse, Samantha shaved her head. She is just starting her journey,” says Brown. Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit is helping many women with the cancer-fighting tools in their arsenal, knowing they are not alone.
The Survivor’s Fashion Show was the highlight of the evening. Breast cancer survivors strutted their stuff on the runway wearing special one-of-a-kind art bras.
Lisa Roggin, an eight-year survivor, received tremendous support from Gilda’s Club during her journey. “This is my sixth year as an art bra model,” says Roggin. She talked about her journey through Stage 2 breast cancer. “So what is this Gilda’s Club? It’s a community of people who all come together for one common purpose,” she added.
Dave Santia, Art and Soul speed painter, was unable to be there in person due to a scheduling conflict. However, there was a video of him working on a portrait of Gilda Radner. He sold that painting and two others at the live auction.
There were many raffles, including the most popular Booze Barrow, along with a silent auction and a strolling dinner.
Fox 2’s Erika Erickson was the emcee for the evening and Steve Taylor provided the music.
“Life is about knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” A quote from Gilda Radner. “No one plans to get cancer. Life never happens the way you plan it. But you have to make the best of what God gives you because you never know what lies ahead.”
Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit, for more than 17 years, ensures that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. The Clubhouse is located at 351 Rochester Rd. in Royal Oak, MI. For more information: Gilda’s Club Detroit | Royal Oak, MI or call 248-577-0800.
