As breast cancer survivors know, treatment and recovery from this devastating disease is not only physically demanding; changes in body appearance can bring on a torrent of emotions that affect self-image, relationships and the overall recovery process. West Kendall Baptist Hospital’s BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day event, on Thursday, Oct. 2, offers professional education, awareness and access for women who may wish to consider breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.
Guests are invited to wear “Pink Chic” attire to this free, fun and informative event, which will feature refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction to benefit the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund of the Plastic Surgery Foundation.
Special guest speakers – breast reconstruction experts Johnny Franco, M.D., of Miami Plastic Surgery, and Rupa Seetheramaiah, M.D., of Baptist Health Medical Group – will discuss the basics of breast reconstruction and the many options available to patients.
“Surveys show that 89 percent of women want to see what breast reconstruction surgery results look like before they even undergo their cancer treatment, yet less than a quarter of women know the wide range of reconstruction options available,” said Dr. Franco. “What’s more, only 19 percent of women surveyed understand that the timing of their treatment for breast cancer and the timing of their decision to undergo reconstruction surgery have a great impact on their options and potential results.”
“Reconstructive breast surgery can have a tremendously positive effect on the quality of life for patients,” added Dr. Seetheramaiah. “The best outcomes occur when the patient has an individualized treatment plan and a dedicated care team of multidisciplinary professionals who work together from diagnosis through surgery and recovery.”
Breast reconstruction candidates, their friends and family are invited to reserve a place now for this event:
BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day
Thursday, October 2 – 7 p.m.
West Kendall Baptist Hospital
9555 SW 162 Avenue, Miami, FL 33196
RSVP to Katy Wilhelm, CatherineMW@BaptistHealth.net or 786-467-2014.
Dress in “Pink Chic”
BRA Day USA is a collaborative effort between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Plastic Surgery Foundation, plastic surgeons, breast centers, nurse navigators, corporate sponsors and breast cancer support groups. The initiative, launched in 2011 by Dr. Mitchell Brown, a plastic surgeon with a practice in Toronto, has grown quickly to include the U.S. and more than 30 other countries participating worldwide.
To learn more about breast reconstruction and download a free Breast Reconstruction Planner containing tips from experts and former patients, visit BraDayUSA.org.
About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was just listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#19 in the nation and #1 in Florida) and has remained on the list for 14 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the third year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit BaptistHealth.net.
