Bras Across the Bridge: Why This Event Means So Much to Me

There are some events you support because they’re good for the community. And then there are the ones that hit a little closer to home.

Bras Across the Bridge is definitely one of those for me.

This October, I’m proud to sponsor Bras Across the Bridge with Q102. We’re collecting new and gently used bras at the CENTURY 21 ProLink office in Le Mars now through October 14.

Then, on October 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Moose from Q102 will be joining me at our Le Mars office for a live broadcast before the bras are hung across the Morningside Avenue Bridge.

If you’ve never seen Bras Across the Bridge before, it’s quite a sight. Hundreds of bras stretched along the bridge, each helping raise awareness for breast cancer and ultimately helping women in need.

For me, though, it means a little more.

Breast Cancer Became Part of My Story in 2022

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2022.

Suddenly my calendar included appointments and conversations I never expected to have. There were decisions about treatment, surgery and what life was going to look like on the other side of all of it.

That fall, as I prepared for my mastectomy, I shared something on Facebook that had become my motto:

Faith over Fear.

I remember wondering how I would feel when I woke up after surgery. Would I be relieved? Would I be sad? I figured it would probably be a little of both.

I also knew how fortunate I was. My cancer had been caught early and was treatable.

And I had people.

My husband was there. Our girls were constantly calling and texting. Friends and family checked in, prayed for us, helped us and loved on us.

You find out pretty quickly how much those people matter.

Four Years Cancer Free

This past March, I spent a FULL day in Sioux Falls doing follow-up appointments with Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, my Breast Surgeon and Oncology.

I took pictures along the way, holding up four fingers.

CANCER FREE x4 years feels fantastic!!!

Those appointments are still part of my life, but being able to walk into them four years later is something I don’t take for granted.

That is a big part of why I wanted to be involved with Bras Across the Bridge this year.

Breast cancer awareness isn’t just something pink that shows up every October for me anymore. Behind those pink ribbons are real women, real families, a whole lot of appointments and some pretty scary days.

But there are also survivors.

There are good test results.

There are milestones worth celebrating.

And there are communities that show up.

Can We Fill That Bridge Again?

I have a photo from Bras Across the Bridge in 2023 that I absolutely love.

Bras just keep going and going down the Morningside Avenue Bridge. It’s an incredible visual of what can happen when a whole bunch of people each do one small thing.

And now I have a little challenge for 2026.

Can we do even more?

I’m asking Le Mars and the surrounding communities to help us collect as many new and gently used bras as we can.

Go check your drawers. You know the one I’m talking about. 😂

Maybe you bought it and decided you didn’t like it. Maybe it doesn’t fit anymore. Maybe you’ve been hanging onto it for absolutely no good reason.

If it’s new or gently used, bring it to us!

How to Donate to Bras Across the Bridge

We’re accepting donations now through October 14 at:

CENTURY 21 ProLink
21 1st Ave NE, Ste 1
Le Mars, IA 51031

Then I’d love for you to come back on October 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Moose from Q102 will be joining me at the office, and Q102 will be broadcasting live before the bras are hung across the Morningside Avenue Bridge.

You can donate because you’re a survivor.

You can donate in honor of someone who is fighting right now.

You can donate in memory of someone you love.

Or you can donate simply because you have something another woman could use.

Every one of those reasons is a good one.

This One Is Personal

When I look back at what I wrote in 2022, I still love the words Faith over Fear.

But four years later, I’d probably add something else.

Community matters, too.

I know how it feels to have people show up when life gets hard. Now I have an opportunity to help show up for someone else.

I’d love to have you join me.

Bring us a bra. Come see Moose and me on October 14. Help us spread the word. And let’s see if we can make that bridge even more impressive this year.

🎀 Bras Across the Bridge
📅 October 14
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 CENTURY 21 ProLink, 21 1st Ave NE, Ste 1, Le Mars, IA