September 25, 2012
Sixth annual ‘Be My Bra’ contest set for Oct. 17
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Student Health Services and Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) will sponsor the sixth annual "Be My Bra" competition at 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 in the lobby of the University's Student Health Center.
The popular event is designed to increase awareness of the importance of monthly breast self-exams as a vital element of early detection among women of all ages, including those of college age. Participants in the contest put their imaginations to the test as they decorate brassieres to symbolize their stance against breast cancer and in support of those it affects. During the contest, competitors also present a short narration explaining how the entry represents the theme "Be My Bra! Unite to Fight!"
The public is welcome to attend the event.
"It is a wonderful way for our students to use their creativity and compassion to turn a bra into a work of art while recognizing someone they know who is battling or has battled breast cancer," said Dawn Null, wellness coordinator for Student Health Services at SIU Carbondale.
Nearly a dozen University sororities competed in the inaugural 2007 competition. Now, all Registered Student Organizations as well as other student and staff groups are eligible to participate. Once again, in 2012, any University fraternity, sorority, RSO, sports club, individual or group affiliated with SIU Carbondale can take part in the contest.
There is no cost to enter Be My Bra! Unite to Fight! To enter, submit a primary contact name, telephone number and email address to Amy Behrens of SIH Cancer Care Services at amy.behrens@sih.net or by fax to 618/529-0568. The deadline to enter is Oct. 12. Competition participants should arrive at the venue no later than 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 17 with their decorated bra and short narrative in hand.
For additional details, stop by the information table in the Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, and Oct. 4. Complete details and contest rules are also available by contacting Behrens at 618/457-5200, ext. 67167.
"The contest provides a powerful opportunity for SIH and SIU to come together as the region's largest employers to raise awareness of breast cancer -- something that impacts each one of us at some point in our lifetime," said Jennifer Badiu, SIH administrative director of Cancer Care Services.