When you step into local businesses during the month of October, look for a colorful bra on display. Seventeen Lane County businesses are participating in this year’s annual Bras for Cause campaign to support cancer survivors through the Oregon Cancer Foundation (OCF).

Creativity for a Cause
When it comes to playing with materials, these businesses went all out. From Creswell DQ’s use of ice cream in a playful theme called “Two Scoops CUPside Down,” to the whimsy of “Under the C” by Pacific Women’s Center and elegant creations by Curves and Along Came Trudy, each business participating in this year’s campaign is dedicated to raising money to support OCF’s Financial Assistance Program.

When Dave Bakke, the president of Chambers Construction and an OCF board member, rallied his team to participate in Bras for Cause, he was met with a resounding ‘Yes!” In fact, Chambers created two bra entries: “Hammer Out Cancer” and “Bra-lesque Marquee“—both with, you guessed it, a construction theme.

“There aren’t many folks here who haven’t been affected by cancer in some way,” said Chambers Construction project engineer Cassandra Dare. “It’s our pleasure to get involved and help out. It was great fun!”

Cancer has also touched the owners, employees and customers of Dari Mart, which is a driving force behind the company’s participation in Bras for Cause. Dari Mart’s creation, titled “On the Moo-v to Cure Cancer,” depicts a farm-to-store theme and represents the company’s commitment to support cancer-related philanthropic events.

“I was looking for an avenue to help people financially with expenses, not covered by insurance, and Oregon Cancer Foundation was a perfect fit,” says Pat Straube. “We already have a theme for next year!”

Messages of hope
In support of cancer patients and the arts, Turell Group pays homage to iconic painter Bob Ross. Titled “Boob Ross,” this Eugene marketing agency’s creation channels his positive, uplifting spirit, which is reflected in the many “happy clouds” and “happy little trees” that inspired generations of artists. The hope behind this bra is that every cancer patient may find strength and hope in nature, creativity and activities that bring them joy.

With a flair for florals and assistance from breast cancer survivor Brenda Mills, the Breast Care Team at Northwest Surgical Specialists based their bra creation around the movie “Epic,” channeling themes of nature, strength and courage.

Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center’s design, titled “Thanks to the Girls for Supporting Us All,” represents Oregon Cancer Foundation’s mission to offer assistance to patients with all types of cancer.

A community that cares
When The Duck Store gets behind a worthy cause, it’s sure to make a bold statement, and this year’s Bras for Cause entry, titled “Ducks of a Feather,” is right on par.

“Strength in unity is a big part of what we do every day, and we understand the power that can come from that,” said Eric Breitenstein, The Duck Store’s Marketing Team Leader. “Whether it’s wearing pink in solidarity, donating or volunteering, we are excited to do our part to encourage our community to support this unique cause.”

Constructed from feathers (duck-inspired, of course) decorative paper and words of encouragement, this bra is currently on display at The Duck Store’s Valley River Center location through the month of October.

KMTR NBC 16’s feathery design reminds people to get their annual cancer screenings. KOOL 99.1 FM designed a bra inspired by Prince’s Purple Rain, while Creswell Coffee used burlap coffee bags as part of its design “Because Life’s Too Short for Marginal Coffee.”

Truly inspired
Many businesses created bras that reflect who they are and how they serve the community.

Oregon Imaging Centers’ bra depicts a colorful Wonder Woman theme, which represents their role in the fight against cancer.

“Every day, we strive to be superheroes in caring for our patients, supporting them and fighting with them—from our schedulers to our technologists and patient navigators,” said Jennifer Cantu. “But the true Wonder Women are our patients.”

This is the fifth year that Jewell Plastic Surgery has submitted a bra, supporting Oregon Cancer Foundation and bringing awareness to breast reconstruction. Their design, titled “Team Approach,” reinforces the importance of all breast cancer patients knowing their options for reconstruction prior to treatment.

“Breast Cancer is a very personal journey,” says Stacy Breaux with Jewell Plastic Surgery. “Your treatment plan should involve all of your providers, from your primary care provider to your surgeon, plastic surgeon and oncologists. Knowing all of your options prior to treatment will provide you with optimum care, improved outcomes and quality of life.”

Valley River Inn, which is new to Bras for Cause this year, did not hesitate to join the campaign.

“As a place of comfort, warmth and celebration, we want to extend that outside our doors and help bring awareness to the efforts Oregon Cancer Foundation puts forth daily,” said Keri Brown, Valley River Inn’s Senior Catering Manager.

That sentiment transpired into a beautiful turquoise Tiffany-style bra, sparkling with rhinestones and representing the beauty of survival, the richness of love and support, and the elegance of perseverance.

“To all who are battling a health concern, don’t give up hope. We are a community, here to help fight with you!”

Join the celebration
Have you voted for your favorite bra? $1 = 1 vote and voting runs through Oct. 31 at brasforcause.org.

And don’t miss the first-ever Girls Night Out Celebration, a fun finale to the Bras for Cause campaign. It will be held on Friday, Nov. 3rd from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Venue 252 in Eugene.

There will be dinner, music, a fashion show featuring local cancer survivors, a silent auction, and this year’s Bras for Cause winners will be announced.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.