Bras Across the Causeway: Local donor encourages others to give

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Bras Across the Causeway is celebrating 10 years of raising money for local breast cancer patients. It was delayed because of Hurricane Isaias - but is rescheduled to happen Sunday, Nov. 1, at Battleship Memorial Park.

The nonprofit raises money to ease the burden for local breast cancer patients. The money helps pay bills and keep the lights on so patients can focus on treatment. The group relies on sponsors and fundraising.

“We are doing this for a cause — and we happen to have a Causeway,” said Kathy Smith, cofounder and executive director of Bras Across the Causeway.

A sponsor’s personal connection

“Panini” Pete Blohme of Panini Pete’s and PP Hospitality is one of the community sponsors. His wife, Jodi, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

“You know my wife is a breast cancer survivor. She’s 8 years cancer free right now — which is God bless — thank you for that,” Blohme said.

Blohme and Jodi ran the Bras Across the Causeway 5K during her treatment.

“Her goal was like — I’m going to stay strong and I’m going to fight this. We ran in a 5K in Houston. We did all kinds of stuff. She’s a beast!” Blohme said.

Blohme and his restaurants have fed the Gulf Coast for more than 20 years. He said giving back is at the core of what they do.

When the couple looked for a local cause to support, Bras Across the Causeway was the choice. Blohme said Jodi suggested the organization.

“When I talked to her about it — she’s the one that said ‘Bras Across the Causeway’ — that’s a local organization. They help local patients in need. They deal with stuff in our community,” Blohme said.

Support throughout the year

Dr. Lindsey Beakley of Southern Cancer Center said breast cancer is a lifelong journey for survivors.

“One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. When it comes to the day in and day out of getting through cancer treatment for someone in your community — that’s really I think where you want to spend your time and your money and your support,” Beakley said.

Smith said the group’s work continues beyond October.

“Breast cancer is all year. It’s not just in October. Breast cancer happens all year. And we’ve been very fortunate to have our team create new and different events other than just the race,” Smith said.

New patients are diagnosed every day, and Bras Across the Causeway is asking for help.

Blohme said giving has grown for him over time.

“And I’ve noticed myself — it’s like a muscle — giving is a muscle — the more you work it out — the stronger you get and the more you want to do. You start off doing a few things and you go oh my god — we could do this — we could do that. What if I spent more time here... There’s a lot of stuff out there and there’s a lot of people willing to give — and there’s so many people affected by it — that they want to support it,” Blohme said.

Bras Across the Causeway is Sunday, Nov. 1, at Battleship Memorial Park. At this point -- organizers tell us it’s a rain or shine event. Fox 10 is the media sponsor. Click here to pre-register or donate.