Baubles, Bangles and Bras for Breast Cancer

My friends and former neighbors introduced me to a wonderful event that takes place in Pleasanton every May. It provides a uniquely positive and celebratory atmosphere for a very serious and important cause: raising funds for breast cancer awareness, research and screening. The whimsical, uniting, altruistic and inspiring happening is known as “Bras for the Cause”.

Tri-Valley SOCKs is the amazing organization that conducts B4C every year with style and astounding efficiency. This year’s walk will take place this Saturday, May 11 at 7:00pm. Check-in starts at 5:30pm in downtown Pleasanton.

I learned about Bras for the Cause walking by my former neighbor’s house a few years ago, watching them set up a makeshift water station out of their picnic table on the sidewalk just outside their backyard on the corner of one section of the route. They would gleefully hand out waters they purchased themselves and cheer on the walkers as they passed with their outlandish costumes, all adorned with uniquely decorated bras worn outside their clothes.

Whoever came up with this idea nailed the concept of making something good feel good to do. Walkers raise funds for a terrific cause, have a great time bonding while creating their wacky, over-the-top costumes, and, finally, parading around town making a joyous spectacle of their selves!

The year after I learned about the event, I found myself with my band in the parking lot of Physical Therapy Specialties (another pit stop on the route) playing our hearts out for the appreciative and enthusiastic walkers as they drifted by us. We noticed they passed so quickly and weren’t able to really enjoy the music so the next year, and the following two, we set up at the finish line party at Amador Valley High.

Being there for the post-walk ceremony is a moving and humbling experience I’ll always treasure. It’s a powerful thing to see a community come together for a common act of selfless altruism and enjoy a light-hearted party at the same time.

The organizers and all-volunteer staff are dynamos; tireless, relentlessly positive, well-organized and dedicated to the cause and to the participants.

Tri Valley Trainer is honored to be a sponsor of the event this year, but I’m sad to say I won’t be joining my band mates for the after-party this year since I have my kids this weekend. But I’ll be there in spirit and urge you to experience this joyous, silly, important and “uplifting” event for yourself. Walkers must be 12 and over, but maybe if I can figure out a way to pull my eight year-old in a wagon…

Here’s the website for the event.

Hope you can make it!

Dan is a nationally certified personal fitness trainer and former continuing education faculty member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. He is the owner and head trainer at Tri Valley Trainer in Pleasanton, which provides personal training, small group fitness and nutrition guidance. He can be reached at Dan@TriValleyTrainer.com