Why We Do It

And what makes it all worth it...

From the Chair of the Board:

A wonderful 65-year-old woman living outside of Mason City who had never had a mammogram saw our article in her local paper. When she found out where to go she called me to let me know she was okay and to "check her off."

Then there was a young husband who called to let us know his wife had breast cancer and that she was not well, but she loved the "Brothers and Sisters" cast (who were our celebrities at the Gala that year). He asked if she could meet them. We invited the entire family to attend. The cast surrounded her with love and affection. Her husband later told us that night was so very special to her – that we would never ever know how much.

I think of the time I was sitting in a spa and chatting with a woman about the joy of relaxing. We ended up talking about her breast cancer and how she wanted to become active in Bras for the Cause. She was from a small town and did not know whom to call. Ironically, she was talking to a volunteer: me! She is now a volunteer, herself.

And, how incredibly moving it is creating a video with friends who have had breast cancer or are going through it now. . . and how important it is to each of them to speak out... brave, brave women...

...Women standing up for women...becoming an army of fighters for every Iowan.

Attending an event where a family came up and asked us to help their mother with no insurance and it was done. Just like that!

Meeting people daily who have learned about us, and it is always the same, "I got my mammogram," and we respond, "That's what we want to hear. Keep it up."

Wrapping gifts for the holidays at Bass Pro Shop and listening to the men and women who were drawn to our booth because of the decorated bras and seeing how our message is gaining momentum across our state and all of the Midwest.

We would love to hear your ideas. How can we help? How can you help? Tell us your stories, too.

Email me: Loretta Sieman at boardchair@brasforthecause.com