Be Your Own Breast Friend
LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE ONE, BRA AT A TIME
LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE, ONE BRA AT A TIME
Goal for 2024:
EXCEEDED!
Goal for 2024:
EXCEEDED!
THE FUNDS RAISED BY THE VARIOUS BE YOUR OWN BREAST FRIEND CAMPAIGN INITIATIVES WILL BE DONATED TO THE CAUSE THROUGH THE ROSES OF HOPE FOUNDATION
THE FUNDS RAISED BY THE VARIOUS BE YOUR OWN BREAST FRIEND CAMPAIGN INITIATIVES
WILL BE DONATED TO THE CAUSE THROUGH THE ROSES OF HOPE FOUNDATION
LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE,
ONE BRA AT A TIME
Goal for 2024:
EXCEEDED!
THE FUNDS RAISED BY THE VARIOUS BE YOUR OWN BREAST FRIEND CAMPAIGN INITIATIVES WILL BE DONATED TO THE CAUSE THROUGH THE ROSES OF HOPE FOUNDATION
ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AFFECTED, THANK YOU!
Because of your generous support, $510,000 will be donated
to back up the amazing work of these key players:
Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation works towards enhancing the quality of medical care provided to patients and supports various research initiatives focused on breast cancer.
Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation engages in research projects and raises awareness in different communities to increase the survival rates of people affected by this disease.
Look Good, Feel Better
Many people who undergo cancer treatment experience a loss of identity and self-esteem. The Look Good Feel Better program offers them the tools and support needed to help regain that confidence.
BC Cancer Foundation
The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds that enable scientific and clinical experts to advance research and improve medical care against cancer, including breast cancer.
Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute
The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute leads research projects on cutting-edge cancer treatments that give way to more positive outcomes for patients.
McGill University Health Centre
Pioneer in healthcare innovation, the MUHC specializes in the treatment of rare cancers. Extensive research and clinical trials are conducted to develop new therapy options.
Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation works towards enhancing the quality of medical care provided to patients and supports various research initiatives focused on breast cancer.
Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation engages in research projects and raises awareness in different communities to increase the survival rates of people affected by this disease.
Look Good, Feel Better
Many people who undergo cancer treatment experience a loss of identity and self-esteem. The Look Good Feel Better program offers them the tools and support needed to help regain that confidence.
BC Cancer Foundation
The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds that enable scientific and clinical experts to advance research and improve medical care against cancer, including breast cancer.
Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute
The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute leads research projects on cutting-edge cancer treatments that give way to more positive outcomes for patients.
McGill University Health Centre
Pioneer in healthcare innovation, the MUHC specializes in the treatment of rare cancers. Extensive research and clinical trials are conducted to develop new therapy options.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR HEALTH
Getting to know your body well could help you spot signs that may be related to breast cancer. It starts with simple habits like checking your breasts often, both visually and by touch.
For early detection, the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation advises to stay on the lookout for any persistent or unusual changes, whether in your breast shape, skin appearance, or the sensation you might feel*.
POSSIBLE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
- Breast swelling up
- Distorted or unusual shape
- Noticeable or palpable mass (lump) in the breast or armpit
- Pits, folds, or dimples, similar to an orange peel
- Development of open wounds or sore
- Skin feels harder or thicker than usual
- Persistent redness or feeling of localized heat
- New or more apparent veins
- Skin rash (e.g. eczema) or ulceration
- Nipple turned inward or pointing in a different direction
- Fluid leaking from the nipple (without stimulation)
If you notice such changes, don’t worry! Most signs listed can also show up with age or during your period. You may contact your doctor if they last beyond your menstrual cycle or if you have some doubts.
*While breast observation is essential for early detection, only a mammogram can confirm the presence of cancer.
THE BRA COLLECTION INITIATIVE CONTINUES YEAR-ROUND
$1 will be donated to breast cancer research for every used bra collected
HOW DOES IT WORK?
1
Keep the used bras you don't wear anymore
2
Drop off the bras at a la Vie en Rose boutique near you*
3
We send all collected bras to a partner organization that facilitates reuse**
*Limit of 40 bras per visit.
**Collected bras are made available to export entrepreneurs for resale in other countries.
THE BRA COLLECTION INITIATIVE CONTINUES YEAR-ROUND
$1 will be donated to breast cancer research for every used bra collected
HOW DOES IT WORK?
1
Keep the used bras you don't wear anymore
2
Drop off the bras at a la Vie en Rose boutique near you*
3
We send all collected bras to a partner organization that facilitates reuse**
*Limit of 40 bras per visit.
**Collected bras are made available to export entrepreneurs for resale in other countries.
EVERY DONATION COUNTS
Your support empowers organizations to change the lives of people struggling with breast cancer.
Watch the videos below to find out how much of a difference one simple gesture can make.
“In Canada, we cure over 90% of breast cancers, and I think that’s a message that doesn’t get out there enough.”
– Caroline Lohrisch, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine
The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds that enable scientific and clinical experts to advance research and improve medical care against cancer, including breast cancer.
“When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, so much of the trauma associated with that diagnosis is about a loss of control, and so I think a lot of my research is inspired by wanting to give control back to women.”
– Daniela Quail, Assistant Professor
The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute leads research projects on cutting-edge cancer treatments that give way to more positive outcomes for patients.
“This is an organization that gives people who have been through cancer the confidence to present themselves as they did before their diagnosis.”
– Bonnie Walker, Ambassador
Many people who undergo cancer treatment experience a loss of identity and self-esteem. The Look Good Feel Better program offers them the tools and support needed to help regain that confidence.
“This is truly an extraordinary breakthrough, especially since the impact in terms of side effects would be less significant as it would not target healthy cells.”
– Cédric Baudinet, Director of Investments & Health Promotion
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation engages in research projects and raises awareness in different communities to increase the survival rates of people affected by this disease.
“You want your patients to have one of the following outcomes: you either want them to live longer or you want them to live better.”
– Eitam Amir, Medical Oncologist
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation works towards enhancing the quality of medical care provided to patients and supports various research initiatives focused on breast cancer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BE YOUR OWN BREAST FRIEND CAMPAIGN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
BE YOUR OWN BREAST FRIEND CAMPAIGN
The Be Your Own Breast Friend campaign is an initiative to raise funds for breast cancer research. It is held each year during the months of May and October, but the used bra collection lasts throughout the year.
Women are at the core of everything we do. Therefore, breast cancer is an important cause to us. In 2002, François Roberge (la Vie en Rose’s president) created the Roses of Hope Foundation, which financially supports and contributes to various causes helping women. The Be Your Own Breast Friend campaign is supported by the foundation.
The fundraising campaign takes place throughout the whole year. $1 is donated to the cause for every used bra collected. Additionally, in October, $1 is donated to the cause for every bra sold until the campaign goal is reached.
Yes, the bra collection continues year-round in our stores across Canada. You can bring up to 40 bras in store.
Yes, all used bras can be dropped in the collection boxes.
We send all collected bras to a partner who facilitates reuse. Our partner works with export entrepreneurs to send bras for resale in markets outside of Canada.
The funds raised during the campaign are dedicated to research projects often supported by the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. From time to time, we also donate to other Canadian organizations.