Grand opening of Breast Center brings laughter, tears and a Bra-ha-ha Some were humorous; some poignant. Some honored loved ones who had died of breast cancer; others celebrated the joy of living.

"Sparkle of Hope" was created by the senior members of a local Girl Scout troop, symbolizes the "perfect world for women . . . where women do not have to worry about cancer or other life-threatening diseases."

The "LiBRAry" was inspired by the maker's mother, a two-time breast cancer survivor, who found solace from her disease in the pages of her favorite books.

"Her Cups Runneth Over" showed women's breasts as a universal symbol of nurturing and comfort - so "our cups runneth over" with love.

Dozens of artists and craftswoman - and one man - from throughout the East Coast donated decorated and themed 145 bras to be exhibited and auctioned off during the grand opening of Chesapeake Regional's Breast Center Oct. 23.

Author tells a tale of courage and humor

Geraldine Lucas, author of "Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy," and a breast cancer survivor served as the event's keynote speaker.

During the talk, Lucas shared her internal struggles after her mastectomy and recounted the soul searching she went through to find her "inner cleavage" and embrace her womanhood again. She told the audience of 400 of her decision to get a heart tattooed where her right nipple used to be, and how she dealt with baldness and her discovery of being pregnant.

Scoop! That vibrant red lipstick is Aveda Passion Flower.

Dr. Catherine Hayward (left), medical director of Chesapeake Regional's Breast Center, gets a hug from keynote speaker Geralyn Lucas.

Local personalities pick a winner among winners

A panel of local personalities - including Stephanie Harris of WAVY-TV (10), Vanessa Coria of WVEC- TV (13), Jenna Kehoe of 94.9 The Point and Dr. Maria Cundiff of the local Susan Komen for the Cure affiliate - selected the grand prize-winning bra, a hand-sewn, pink-beaded camouflage entry, titled "Hunt for a Cure," by Devery Harmon. An employee of Chesapeake Regional's Home Care Services, Harmon's bra will be on permanent display in the breast center. Auctioned bras raised more than $2,200 for the center.

“Hunt for a Cure,” by Devery Harmon

Patients undergoing MammoSite treatment at Chesapeake Regional now wear a "designer" gown for treatment with special openings for catheters so they don't need to fully undress during radiation.

The gowns keep patients comfortable and warm. They allow women to feel less exposed because they do not have to undress every time they come for a treatment.

Available in various colors, the gowns are shaped much like a short kimono, patients can wear these to and from the hospital, throughout the course of treatment.

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