Annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness BRA Day
Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
On October 16, 2024, DHR Health held its Annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day Fashion Show and Gala at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. The event brought together breast cancer survivors, medical professionals, and community members with a mission to raise awareness about breast reconstruction options available for women who have undergone or are planning to undergo mastectomy due to breast cancer. This year’s gala highlighted the importance of reconstructive surgery in the healing process and celebrated the courage of cancer survivors.
The BRA Day event serves not only as a celebration of survival but also as an educational platform. It focuses on providing women, especially those in the underserved Rio Grande Valley, with vital information about reconstructive options after mastectomy.
Cancer Survivors Take the Runway
The highlight of the evening was a fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors who have undergone reconstructive surgery, as well as those scheduled for the procedure. These inspiring women took to the runway, showcasing not just fashion but their journeys of resilience and recovery. Their strength served as a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, treatment, and support for those affected by breast cancer.
The fashion show was supported by Dillard’s, which styled the models, making the evening glamorous and celebratory.
DHR Health’s renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeons played a central role in the event. Dr. Mauricio De La Garza, Chairman of Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, along with colleagues Dr. Lisa Chapa, Dr. Alexander Chase Castillo, Dr. Ali Kilic, and Dr. Armando Moncada delivered presentations focused on the latest advancements in reconstructive surgery, including innovative procedures like microsurgery and nerve restoration.
The physicians emphasized the life-changing impact that reconstruction can have on a survivor’s physical and emotional recovery after breast cancer treatment. Dr. De La Garza stressed that while only 30% of women who undergo mastectomy choose reconstruction, many more could benefit from the procedure if they were aware of their options.
The gala also focused on educating women about the importance of regular mammograms for early detection. Dr. Lisa Chapa urged women over 40 to take advantage of DHR Health’s mammogram campaign, part of the hospital’s commitment to making life-saving screenings accessible to all.
Dr. Chapa also highlighted the significance of family history in determining breast cancer risk. Women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer were encouraged to undergo genetic screening to assess their risk and explore preventative measures, such as prophylactic mastectomies.
The event paid tribute to caregivers and family members’ vital role in the cancer journey. Their emotional and physical support is essential to the healing process, and several speakers expressed heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who were in attendance.
Proceeds from the gala went to the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underserved cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley. The foundation provides financial assistance, transportation to medical appointments, and free wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy, ensuring that all cancer patients can access the necessary care and resources.
DHR Health’s Annual BRA Day Fashion Show and Gala was more than just an event—it was a celebration of life, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Through the dedication of DHR Health’s medical team and the courage of breast cancer survivors, the event succeeded in raising both awareness and critical funds for breast reconstruction and cancer care.
As this event continues to grow, it will bring greater visibility to breast reconstruction options and provide much-needed support to those fighting breast cancer.
