Published: November 01, 2009 01:15 am      

Thanks for opening hearts

To the editor:

Last week, a brand new charitable event premiered in Hunt County. Greenville's “Bras for the Cause” was inspired by similar events around the country that seek to raise awareness of women's health issues while raising funds to benefit programs that positively affect those issues.

This letter is to acknowledge the many courageous and creative women and men who stepped up to help bring this program to our community. From designing posters to designing bras, from serving refreshments to selling ticket/ballots, from performing music to sending letters, everyone who had a part in the project gave generously of their time and talents. Bras were created by mothers, daughters and grandmothers, by lawyers and florists, by teachers and chefs, by cancer survivors and artists, by hairdressers and business women, and by lots of your friends and neighbors.

We were thrilled that 63 bras were displayed at this premier. A large and appreciative audience laughed and cried as they viewed the amazing creations and those attending contributed over $3000 while voting for their favorite “Bras for the Cause.” These donations will be directed to Hunt Regional Healthcare's “Fit Steps for Life.” This program offers cancer patients a comprehensive program that includes low impact exercise, nutritional and self-esteem counseling, and spiritual support … and all of this is absolutely free with a referral from the patient's doctor.

Women's critical health issues, specifically breast and ovarian cancers, affect the entire family. The survivors who participated in and attended the event inspired us all and reminded us that, by keeping the spotlight on these diseases and by continuously supporting research and education with our efforts at fund-raising, a cure will surely be found.

Thank you, Greenville, for once again opening your hearts and wallets to a good cause. And, yes, next year will be bigger and even better. If you want to get involved in any way, please e-mail calicocat@geusnet.com.

Sincerely yours,

Janeen Cunningham and Friendlee

Greenville