BRA Day is back for 2024!
BRA Day is an initiative that promotes education, awareness and access for women considering post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.
At a BRA Day event, leading plastic surgeons provide breast reconstruction education and are available to answer your questions. Among the highlights of a BRA Day event is the Show & Tell Lounge, an innovative space where volunteers show attendees the real-life results of their breast reconstruction.
BRA Day intends to:
- EDUCATE women on their breast reconstruction options (including flat closure)
- EMPOWER women to make the choice that’s right for them
- CONNECT women with others who have been through it
BRA day events provide women with the opportunity to learn about their breast reconstruction options from experts in the field, hear from patients with lived experience of reconstruction, develop realistic expectations of what reconstruction can achieve and get answers to their reconstruction questions.
Breast reconstruction may not be the right choice for every woman, but every woman deserves to have access to accurate, unbiased information so that she can make an informed decision.
Following the success of last year’s event, BRA Day 2024 is once again going hybrid! We are pleased to be able to enhance access to information on breast reconstruction and reach a nationwide audience by providing the option to attend virtually.
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday, October 16, 2024. 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET
- In-person attendees, please note: Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with presentations to begin at 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION
In person at Women’s College Hospital – 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, M5S 1B2
Online via Zoom
What attendees say about BRA Day
“It was a wonderful evening that really provided realistic and helpful information regarding breast cancer and reconstructive surgery. It didn’t sugar coat anything and has definitely enabled me to make a informed decision.”
“The whole event all together was so very informative, and answered many of the questions I had. I am in the early stage of reconstruction and it helped me understand each and every step”
“The show and tell lounge was truly wonderful. What I had in my imagination and the actual reality of how reconstruction works was two different things. Seeing real reconstructed breasts helped me grasp just what reconstruction means and potentially what it will look like for my body.”
Many women considering post-mastectomy breast reconstruction want to see the real results of various breast reconstruction procedures in person rather than just seeing before-and-after photos. They may also want the chance to discuss those results with the women who have had the procedure.
The Show & Tell Lounge offered at BRA Day is a safe and comfortable environment for showing, telling, talking and connecting. Women who have had breast reconstruction volunteer to open their shirts and their hearts to share their experiences and insights.
The experience is intended to give women a realistic expectation of breast reconstruction results and provide them with a better understanding of the pros and cons of breast reconstruction.
Both in person and virtual attendees can benefit from the unique experience. Those in person can visit two dedicated Show & Tell spaces at Women’s College Hospital to meet volunteers who have had a range of reconstruction experiences. The virtual Show & Tell Lounge will open immediately following the presentations and feature photography and first person narration from volunteers.
What attendees say about the Show & Tell Lounge
“The energy and emotion in the Show & Tell Lounge seemed almost explosive! There was much laughter, and yes, “tears of relief” about breast reconstruction, and tears about painful cancer journeys too.”
“I found the most powerful and inspirational part of the night to be the Show & Tell Lounge. To meet and see people who have been in my place and are now on the other side and can share their stories. It’s reassuring to know that I will one day be in their shoes.”
The Show & Tell Lounge is proudly sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society
Watch previous BRA Day Videos
Breast Reconstruction Questions with Answers from Previous BRA Day Attendees
Click on the button below to view a list of questions posed by BRA Day attendees and their answers provided by breast reconstruction experts – covering topics including decision-making, risks of breast reconstruction surgery, reconstruction vs aesthetic flat closure, cancer surveillance for survivors, and genetics.
Closing the loop on breast cancer means making sure that every woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer is aware of all of her options to heal. Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is made possible with the support and generosity of our sponsors and partners. Our sincere thanks to each and every one of them.
2024 Official Sponsors
Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons
The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) is a not-for-profit association established in 1947. CSPS is focused on sharing knowledge and expertise, improving quality of care, and advancing the practice of plastic surgery in Canada. Canada’s Plastic Surgeons are medical doctors who: have completed a minimum of 5 years of study and training in plastic surgery; passed the rigorous Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons certification examinations, and are specifically qualified to practice reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. The CSPS is pleased to support BRA Day, founded by Dr. Mitchell Brown, a long-time CSPS member.
Allergan Aesthetics
Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, creates products and technologies to drive the advancement of aesthetic medicine. Allergan Aesthetics develop, manufacture, and market a portfolio of leading brands and products, including facial injectables, body contouring, plastics, skin care, and more. The research and development team is focused on driving innovation, and is committed to providing the most comprehensive science-based product offerings available.
Allergan Aesthetics’ legacy in breast spans more than 40 years. Their extensive experience and scientific innovation in the breast surgery area has resulted in the Natrelle® Collection, an impressive range of breast implants and tissue expanders specially designed to enhance and complement each woman’s unique body shape. The safety and efficacy of Natrelle® breast implants has been established through more than 500,000 person-years of long-term prospective multi-centre studies.
Mentor
Mentor was founded in 1969 and has a long, proud history as a global authority in breast aesthetics. For over 40 years, our company has rooted itself in a commitment to high-quality breast implants, science-based innovations and the best results for patients. Mentor has maintained high standards of design, testing and safety, and we’ve earned the respect of the breast aesthetics community worldwide for our leadership.
Being a part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, we aspire to be the trusted global leader in breast aesthetics among both consumers and professionals. By providing a broad range of innovation and clinical-based solutions we aim to help women maintain, enhance, and restore self-esteem and quality of life.
Rethink Breast Cancer
Rethink Breast Cancer is a Canadian charity known for making positive change and rethinking the status quo when it comes to breast cancer. Rethink educates, empowers and advocates for system changes to improve the experience and outcomes of those with breast cancer, focusing on historically underserved groups: women diagnosed at a younger age, those with metastatic breast cancer and people systemically marginalized due to other factors within the social determinants of health.
Rethink offers a variety of programs, free of charge to the breast cancer community, and several resources to help support this community. These programs include:
- Virtual Support Groups
- Peer Support – Mentoring Matters
- The Rethink Network
- Talking to Kids About Breast Cancer (educational resource)
- Talking to Kids About Metastatic Breast Cancer (educational resource)
2024 In-kind Sponsor
Elmwood Spa
Elmwood Spa is proud to support BRA Day and present the Beauty Reloaded Program— a range of Cancer-Aware Spa Treatments designed specifically for those touched by cancer, performed with care, comfort, and compassion. These services are safe for Every Body™, no matter where they are in their wellness journey. Our trained professionals understand the importance of creating a soothing environment that promotes healing and relaxation with rejuvenating treatments that restore the body, mind, and spirit.
Join us at our BRA Day booth to experience moments of calm and care:
- Chair massage by a registered massage therapist
- Hand massage by one of our skilled estheticians
- A demonstration of the BEAUTY RELOADED PRO-SLEEP MASSAGE
For more information about the Beauty Reloaded Program, visit: https://www.elmwoodspa.com/cancer-aware-spa-treatments/