BUST Breast Cancer Bra Art Fundraiser is an event like no other. It is one special night in Baton Rouge where we celebrate survivorship and raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
The 2018 BUST Breast Cancer Bra Art Fundraiser was the first year to showcase all survivors as models for the event. As we gear up for this year’s show, we would like to share some words of wisdom and encouragement from our veterans of the runway.
Elise Kaufman: 26 year survivor, diagnosed at 41.
“I was inspired by everyone involved with the BUST Breast Cancer event. This year was exceptional and I feel fortunate to have been able to meet the other models, who each have such amazing stories. As we all know, this is an awful disease that knows no color, no age, no socioeconomic group, no bounds. But we are all in this together!”
Words of wisdom: Be yourself, know yourself, love yourself. Keep looking forward, keep being inspired, and keep loving those who love you!
Jennifer Burtt Butler: 9 year survivor, diagnosed at 26.
“BUST Breast Cancer was the most uplifting, powerful and positive experience! I believe that women often define themselves by their bodies. Having one, or both, of your breasts removed can be devastating to your self-image. However, having the chance to walk a runway like a fashion model, wearing such a beautiful creation was a very moving experience. I think the event shows women that there is life after cancer and that cancer doesn’t discriminate!”
Words of wisdom: Beauty radiates from within. Love yourself!
Kathy Lockhart: 23 year survivor, diagnosed at age 42.
“I am a 65 year old that felt like a 20 year old super model the moment I stepped foot on that stage! It was truly a magical evening and I can’t begin to thank everyone that made it possible.”
Words of Wisdom: Continue to kick cancer’s butt. Everyday!
Jeanne Badeaux Green: 1 year survivor, diagnosed at 34.
“BUST Breast Cancer was the encouraging and positive experience I needed at the end of my treatments and reconstruction process. It was amazing to feel the camaraderie of the other 27 models that all shared a similar experience and could empathize with you like only a survivor can. I hope this event is able to continue to make women aware of the risks associate with breast cancer and how anyone can be affected.”
Words of Wisdom: If breast cancer happens to you, keep your head up and fight like a girl!
Zanovia Chube Curtis: 3 year survivor, diagnosed at age 39.
“I wanted to participate in this event to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness, early detection, education and research. There is life and survivorship after a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Words of Wisdom: Build a relationship and get anchored in Christ. Surround yourself with supportive and positive people. Remain strong and courageous and have faith in a greater plan. ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismated, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10
Bettina Buxton: 5 year survivor, diagnosed at age 48.
“This was my first time to model for the BUST Breast Cancer event. It was even more special to have my brother, Brien, also be my artist. It was truly one of the few times where I felt like I looked good and felt pretty without any judgement or insecurities. Everyone was so supportive and uplifting that it made it an experience I hope to be apart of again.”
Words of Wisdom: Being a breast cancer survivor puts you in an exclusive club, or sisterhood. It means you’re never alone and have a group of fellow “thrivers” to reach out to and lean on whenever you need. I love the saying by the Dalai Lama, “There are only two days in a year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.”
Courtney Edwards: 9 year survivor, diagnosed at age 28.
“Participating in BBC is something that has been important to me for the last several years. I’ve been a part of the committee in years prior, but being a model this year was something new and exciting. I feel it is my duty to promote early detection, raise awareness and assist as I can in fighting this awful disease. This fundraiser is a fantastic way to raise money and awareness for women to take action in reducing their risks for cancer. The sisterhood that was on stage that night was incredible, emotional and encouraging. An epic night for sure!”
Words of Wisdom: For those recently diagnosed, it’s important to remember to your mental and emotional battle needs to remain strong to get you through the physical hurdles that lay ahead. Also remember that there is support out there for you and use it when you need it. Have hope, make memories, and remember that you are loved and are beautiful.
Kate Burns Stark: 1 year survivor, diagnosed at age 34 while being 34 weeks pregnant.
“Being a part of BBC was very important to me because so many young women are being diagnosed! I hope to spread the word to my generation to get checked, and get checked early, because this can happen to anyone. I never imaged being diagnosed with breast cancer, but it happened.”
Words of Wisdom: Find the positive in everything and remember that life is not over because of a single setback. Keep moving forward and know that there is life after cancer. Your joy will come back, I promise!
Rose Marie Fife: 12 year survivor, diagnosed at 52.
“Woman’s Hospital has always had a special place in my heart, and when I saw they had a breast cancer event, I was all in! My mother died of stage 4 breast cancer and I work hard to honor her legacy and educate others about breast cancer. I have served as chairperson for 2 years for the event and this year I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to participate as a model. It was so beautiful to see all of the models walk the runway and show off their confidence and joy. It brought me to tears!”
Words of Wisdom: Women, take care of your body! Eat healthy, exercise and get your annual mammogram!
Mary Catherine Ogilvie: 2 year survivor, diagnosed at age 35.
“Being a part of BBC meant turning something ugly and painful into something beautiful. It was so empowering to be around so many survivors of all ages, diagnoses and walks of life. Raising money and awareness will hopefully saves lives and that makes the whole experience truly priceless.”
Words of Wisdom: To newly diagnosed women, there is light and life on the other end! There is a very real sisterhood out there, ready and willing, to help you. Stay strong and keep the faith!
You too can join the fight against breast cancer by supporting BUST Breast Cancer. To find out how, or to request more information on the event, please email us or call 225-924-8749. For sponsorship opportunities, click here.