CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Who knew that a 38-C bra could be used as a canvas for artwork?
Yes. It can, and all for a good cause, too.
News 3 is proud to once again sponsor the 17th annual Bra-ha-ha auction and awards show in Chesapeake Friday night. The goal is to support breast cancer care at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, and the message is to remind women how important it is to take control of their health.
From superhero styles to nautical themes, there were all kinds of decorated bras that lined the walls of the Delta hotel in Chesapeake. Many of them were made by survivors or, in the case of Deloris Shivers, knows someone who is currently battling breast cancer.
"My cousin is battling Stage 4 cancer," Shivers told News 3's Jay Greene. "I was inspired to do it to just let her know I'm in support of her. Through it all, she's been a trooper."
Many who attended Friday's event were able to tell their own stories of survival, including Meg Shrader who works as a breast cancer nurse navigator at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare. She helps to guide women through their cancer journeys.
"I am foruntate to be a 19-year cancer survivor," she said. "Had surgery, chemotherapy, reconstruction. What I would say to women is 'don't be afraid, get things checked out'."
Through her work, Shrader hopes she can provide patients the best possible experience when it comes to care and support.
She said the more than 130 bras on display represent the caring nature of the Chesapeake community for those who are battling breast cancer.
The bras would later be modeled during a runway style event emceed by Coast Live's April Woodard and Chandler Nunally. The winner got a $1,000 check.
Here's a list of the winners:
- Grand Prize: Wilson’s Journey – designed by B&T Kitchens and Baths
- Most Creative: Queen NeferTITTY – designed by Hannah Newhall, Virginia Oncology - Port Warwick
- Best Craftsmanship: Stay on Track – designed by Jamie Riggs
- Most Inspirational: Circle of Friends and Family – designed by Debbie Ellington, Women’s Division Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Chesapeake
- Most Humorous: Don’t Chicken Out – designed by Liza Klink, Maury High School
- Best General Entry: With Common Cents We Can Make a Change – designed by Jennifer Ailiff
- Best Seasonal Entry: Why We Wear Pink in October – designed by Denise Crittenden
- Best School Entry – Adult: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy – designed by Kelly Kitchens
- Best School Entry (14 & above): Breast Cancer Succs – designed by Madelynn Gordon
- Best CRH Staff Entry: Nightmare before Xmas – designed by Ruth Pokines
- Best Nautical Entry: Upscale Sea Cups – designed by Allison Uniatowski
