Bras return to the bluff for breast cancer awareness

Published 12:09 am Sunday, November 2, 2014

From left, Katie Ambrose, Julia Ingram, 8, and Madeline Ambrose, 11, looks at the decorated bras during the Bras on the Bluff event Saturday. The event was held to promote awareness of breast cancer. (Sam Gause/The Natchez Democrat )

From left, Katie Ambrose, Julia Ingram, 8, and Madeline Ambrose, 11, looks at the decorated bras during the Bras on the Bluff event Saturday. The event was held to promote awareness of breast cancer. (Sam Gause/The Natchez Democrat )

NATCHEZ — Dozens of bras took up Broadway Street Saturday during Bras on the Bluff’s second annual event.

Kim Falkenheiner and Mary Kay Doherty sing along to a band playing during the Bras on the Bluff event Saturday. The event was held to promote awareness of breast cancer. (Sam Gause/The Natchez Democrat )

Kim Falkenheiner and Mary Kay Doherty sing along to a band playing during the Bras on the Bluff event Saturday. The event was held to promote awareness of breast cancer. (Sam Gause/The Natchez Democrat )

Each bra was unique in its own way. Some bras shouted their own message, while others drew in laughs.

No mater the size or theme, all bras were hung along the fence on the Natchez Bluff to raise awareness for breast caner.

Email newsletter signup

Amanda Cranfield, along with her daughter Hannah Cox, each hung their decorated bras on the bluff to support the cause.

Cranfield decorated a black bra to resemble the “Law and Order” T.V. series, in honor of her boss Paula Clune of Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association.

Clune is a breast cancer survivor, and Cranfield thought this would be a great way to pay respect to her boss.

“As a woman, this is very important,” Cranfield said. “The money the event’s raising will go on to provide some funds for women to get mammograms.”

Cox decorated her bra to represent Disney’s “Frozen,” but Cox did not choose “Frozen” just because she loved the move.

“I thought if I did frozen, since it’s so popular, freezing breast cancer would stick out,” Cox said.

Bras hang on display during the Bras on the Bluff event Saturday. The event was held to promote awareness of breast cancer.  (Sam Gause/The Natchez Democrat )

Bras hang on display during the Bras on the Bluff event Saturday. The event was held to promote awareness of breast cancer. (Sam Gause/The Natchez Democrat )

Cox’s efforts to “freeze,” or stop, breast cancer stuck out among the bras along the Bluff.

“We have to show that women should get mammograms,” Cox said. “Women need to know that if they can catch it early enough, they can survive it.”

Bras on the Bluff was led by Team Tatas, a Miss-Lou Relay for Life team, to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness.

Organizer and captain Meg Freeman, a breast cancer survivor, began Bras on the Bluff last year, following her ordeal with breast cancer.

Not only did this event feature music, food and fun, but Freeman also gave away two mammograms and two PSA tests for men who do not have insurance.

“I’ve had people who don’t have cancer to come out and support this event,” Freeman said. “All precedes will go on to the American Cancer Society, which will help local men and women get their tests.”

Freeman was overwhelmed by the show of support from the Miss-Lou last year and decided to take Bras on the Bluff to its second rally.

“It’s something I started that received an outpour of support,” Freeman said. “I knew I had to continue this event.”

Freeman’s son, Lane Gordon, was proud to assist his mother during Bras on the Bluff.

“I think this is a good thing she’s doing for the area,” Gordon said. “It was touching to see the event do well last year, and my mom kept her sprits high throughout.”

Vidalia resident Kim Falkenheiner, who represents TuTu’s 4 Ta-Ta’s, came out to support Freeman during the event.

“Breast cancer not only effects women, but it can effect women as well,” Falkenheiner said. “It’s something that effects everybody and If you detect it early enough you can survive.”

Falkenheiner’s mother, Alice Dozart, is a breast cancer survivor, which pushed Falkenheiner to join the cause.

“We all need to support this,” Falkenheiner said.