The Shorthorn - Brazos House promotes cancer awareness by hanging underwear

Brazos House promotes cancer awareness by hanging underwear

Written by Alanna Quillen

Monday, 27 October 2008 08:30 PM

Bras, boxers and panties hang in trees outside Brazos House to raise money for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ‘Bra Bridge’ began in 2002 and will remain in place for the next few days. (The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard)

As students stroll outside Brazos House, they may get an eyeful of something that should be kept under wraps. Bras, panties and boxers strung in the trees promote the residence hall’s cancer awareness drive.

“It’s not every day you see underwear hanging outside a building,” said Erica Weaver, Lipscomb Hall residence director.

The seventh annual Bra Bridge tradition began in Fall 2002 by the Brazos House Council. The council wanted to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Stringing up underwear and bras across Brazos makes a statement,” said council representative Kaylee Pelham, a history senior.

This year, Brazos residents, sororities, fraternities and student organizations donated their underwear for the bridge, but most were from previous years.

“The ones hanging out there have been around for a few years, but I make sure that they are clean,” Pelham said.

Brazos residents like nursing freshman Bailey Johnson volunteer at the information table. Health Services loaned breast and testicle replicas to show how to check for cancer and what it may feel like.

“We usually say goofy things to catch people’s attention like, ‘Want to come check my bra?’ or ‘Do you want to feel my boob for cancer?’ ” she said. “I volunteered because I think it’s important for women to know how to test themselves for cancer.”

The table outside Brazos will take donations for the American Cancer Society.

On Monday, the Bra Bridge raised about $200. James Key, council president and public relations junior can relate to the cause.

“My aunt died three years ago of breast cancer,” he said. “It helps make it more important to me because I know breast cancer is really prevalent and common.”

Almost 100 undergarments have been collected throughout the years, with the occasional boxer getting lost to the wind, Key said.

“Nothing has been stolen, but they do get blown away,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite traditions because it’s really helpful and cool to drop that money off and say, ‘We raised this.’ ”

The event ends at the end of October.

“It draws a lot of attention,” said broadcast junior Landon Vasek. “Any student would stop and stare at a tree full of underwear.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 20 January 2009 04:19 PM )

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