Businesses raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this Saturday local businesses are raising money and awareness for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY and Hope Chest.

"When the odds are one in eight women will be diagnosed, it really hits home for a lot of folks. So it's really nice to see the community come together," said Rachel Wallmeyer, program director for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY.

This is the second year of the Bra Crawl, where local businesses decorate a bra and have it on display. People can vote for their favorite, and businesses have special deals and events and donate towards the two organizations during "Shoptober" on Oct. 18.

"I think it's a great way to have people out walking in their neighborhoods and learning about the businesses and then giving back as well," said Susan Morreale, co-owner of Her Story, Her Sanctuary and Her Kitchen.

Morreale is an 18-year breast cancer survivor and lost her sister to the disease.

"I am very passionate about supporting women and supporting during this time of the month but really all year long, so really the two organizations that I love are Breast Cancer Network of WNY and Hope Chest," said Morreale. "I love that they work local with all the women in the community whether they are newly diagnosed or living with breast cancer. And it's just very important for me to have people know that it's OK, you can live with the disease and be able to be supported and know that you're not alone on the journey."

The Bra Crawl started last year on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo with around 30 businesses, and now is also in the Village of Williamsville, Village of East Aurora, and the Elmwood Village in Buffalo. Around 80 businesses are participating this year.

One of the businesses that got involved with the Bra Crawl this year is Ashley's Lingerie and Swimwear.

"Being a bra store and working with women day to day, month to month over time, just all different stages of life of our female customers, we see this, we hear it, we experience it. We all know somebody, we all suffered with someone that has been diagnosed or is going through it," said Ashley Doll, the owner of Ashley's Lingerie and Swimwear.

During the month of October, for each bra they sell they are donating a portion of the proceeds towards Breast Cancer Network of WNY and Hope Chest. They're also collecting old bras and they will be donating them to Bra Recyclers.

Businesses that are participating in the "Bra Crawl" will be having deals, promotions, or donating proceeds raised during "Shoptober" on Oct. 18. To learn more about the participating businesses, visit Her Story's website here.