Bras Across the Causeway Marks 10 Years, Raises More Than $130,000 for Local Breast Cancer Patients After Hurricane Delay
Delayed by Hurricane Isaias, the 10th annual Bras Across the Causeway drew hundreds of runners and survivors and raised more than $130,000 to help breast cancer patients in Mobile and Baldwin counties pay everyday bills.
MOBILE, Ala. — It took a little longer than planned, but Bras Across the Causeway finally got its 10th birthday party, and it came with a total that organizers can put straight to work: more than $130,000 for local women in treatment for breast cancer.
Hundreds turned out for the anniversary race, which is usually held on a Saturday in October. Originally scheduled for Oct. 10 at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, this year’s event was pushed back several weeks after Hurricane Isaias struck the Gulf Coast.
Canceling was never seriously on the table, according to Executive Director and co-founder Kathy Smith.
“We don’t want to ever cancel this. Everybody here really looks forward to this, every year, and all of our sponsors and all of the people that come out to support us really look forward to it. It’s a big celebration of life,” she said.
Survivors took a lap around the starting line, and minutes later the runners were off. Some raised money by running, and others collected donations with a playful pirate theme.
Paying the bills, not funding research
The nonprofit’s model is what sets it apart, and Smith believes it explains how the event has lasted a decade. Rather than funding research, the group gives money directly to patients in active treatment in Mobile and Baldwin counties.
“We believe that’s probably why it’s been sustained so long, is that we give money back directly to patients who are in treatment,” Smith said.
That money goes toward immediate needs such as mortgage payments, insurance premiums and utility bills. According to the organization, assistance can also cover medical bills and diagnostic testing, rent, groceries, transportation to treatment, and school supplies for patients’ children. The group says it works with local oncology social workers and reviews each application.
Samantha Anderson, a breast cancer survivor, is one of the people that help reached.
“And because of them I was able to do my treatment. I was able to survive this horrible disease and be able to pay my bills and not have to worry about the stress of the financial part of it,” she said.
Remembering a longtime volunteer
This year’s race was dedicated to the memory of Cindy Brannan-Smith, a longtime volunteer, or “Bralunteer” in the group’s language, who died last year.
Her husband, Jeffery Smith, was among those on hand.
“I know that she’s here. She loved everything about this and wanted to be part of it and help everyone else out and so I think it’s amazing,” he said.
‘Every year is a gift’
For the women on the course, the day was personal. Angela Strickland, a survivor, described it as a celebration and said every year is a gift. Had the disease taken her, she said, she would have missed time with her 9-year-old grandsons.
Ashley Jones, who is currently a patient, said she came to lift up others.
“I look to encourage other women and embrace the diagnosis. Don’t sit in it. Be it. Be what you need to be in order to encourage other women. So that’s what I’m here for,” she said.
Survivors Debra Sellers and Susan Hilton spoke of counting their blessings every day, and of being “thrivers and survivors” who can inspire others to keep going, smile and have fun.
Brenda Pipkin, also a survivor, said she appreciates everyone who comes out.
“It means everything because until you go through it, you don’t know what you’re dealing with or how you are going to feel after,” she said.
Amanda Freyaldenhoven, a patient and a single mother, said she had only recently learned about the foundation, and that knowing it exists was important even if she hopes not to need it.
“I know that as a single mom, sometimes you need that extra support,” she said. “I know there are women who will benefit greatly from it.”
Smith said those moments are the point.
“All of these survivors, they get to tell their story. They’re over here crying and hugging each other. And it just makes such a terrible, awful thing something positive,” she said, adding that the group helps people get through it “financially, spiritually, emotionally, physically.”
Local money for local patients
Sponsors have been part of that growth. Buffalo Rock Pepsi put $10,000 toward this year’s event, its first year as a backer.
“The money stays right here locally in Mobile and Baldwin County. So we felt it was a perfect fit. This is our first year, and we will definitely be back,” Cynthia Bridges said on behalf of the company.
Runner Destiny Graham said the event felt larger than a race.
“It’s just so amazing, not only the women, but the men and the children coming around celebrating and really just upholding such a great tradition that we have in this area for all these women going through so much,” she said.
Though Breast Cancer Awareness Month has ended, organizers point out that the disease does not follow the calendar. The group describes breast cancer as a year-round journey, and donations are still being accepted through its website, brasacrossthecauseway.org.
