Fancy bras sold to benefit breast cancer awareness

Bras hung all over the Bentwood Country Club golf course and were proudly worn on the outside, in a reflection of the bravado it takes to fight breast cancer.

On Monday, men and women came together under the sun to play golf and raise money for Shannon Hospital's annual Tee-Off for Ta-tas, a fundraiser for breast cancer research, treatment and awareness. The event started three years ago as an idea from Dana Calhoun, owner of Grigsby's Boutique.

"Who but Dana would've thought of a bra drop.It's so fitting," said Sarah Post, a breast cancer survivor helping out at the event.

Calhoun became aware of the prevalence of breast cancer through daily interactions with her customers.

"I wanted to have something to include men.to raise awareness," Calhoun said.

The event Monday was sold out, with 144 players. Silent auction items included golf shoes, a YETI cooler, a Christoval winery outing, and a Dewalt circular saw.

"It's just about having fun for a good cause," said Sharon Flippin, an 11-year breast cancer survivor who wore a colorful peacock shirt with a turquoise bra on the outside.

Women were able to get away with wearing bras outside their shirts, and many men wore pink polos and visors.

Sue Sorrells worked at the registration table wearing a brown bra covered with baseballs, baseball gloves and plastic gems that had the words "Playin' Tough" across the top.

Post, who worked at the silent auction table and helped serve beer, wore a white bra covered with stickers of beer bottles, glasses and limes.

"I dressed appropriately," Post joked.

Post, an energetic woman who was constantly distracted by people wanting to give her hugs, was impressed by the response.

"Lots of people just write a check. This way they get to be a part of lots of fun things," Post said.

Post had begun having mammograms when she was 40 and was able to detect breast cancer early through one of her routine screenings.

"It was a shock," Post said. "I had no family history."

She said at the time, she did not know if she would get to see her unborn grandchild.

"You absolutely never know. It absolutely stops your life. ... Usually when you're in sheer terror.people start showing up," Post said.

The highlight of the event — the bra drop, during which bras were dumped from a helicopter over a pink golf cart with a basket on the roof — was held at the end of day. Donors who bought individual bras got a chance at winning half the proceeds, a prize given to the buyer of the bra that landed closest to the basket. The other half goes to the Cancer Empowerment Center and Resource Center.

The Empowerment Center provides support groups — for both men and women — and various classes to anyone who wants more information on oncologic care and prevention.

Flippin said the silver lining of her battle is being a part of events at which she can share her experience with others.

"There's a sisterhood that we develop from being a part of stuff like this," Flippin said.

Post agreed it's important patients don't feel like they are going through the battle alone. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and she feels that people need to learn how to be supportive of those who are fighting it.

Amid the fun, the socializing, the prizes and the warmth of the sun, this event is a reminder of finding enjoyment in life through difficult circumstances.

"You appreciate a lot of things you took for granted. You see life in a different way.Hopefully you can grow from it and not shut down," Post said.