I was at a dinner party the other night with close friends when I happened to mention that I spent several hours that day at Victoria’s Secret. Bra shopping.
One of my friends asked— “For you?” She meant it seriously–but we all laughed. It was funny—as long as you can see the humor in cancer. I haven’t worn a bra in years; haven’t had any breasts since I lost mine to cancer 15 years ago.
So I’m not a frequent customer at Victoria’s Secret—and this shopping expedition was a real eye opener. (As it was for the guy lurking lingering by the entrance to the fitting rooms.)
A myriad of colors and choices makes buying bras a lot more fun than it used to be. Seems as if today the only serious part of bra shopping is the price tag. For me this was sticker shock; and it immediately reminded me of support bras. Only not the traditional kind.
I mean Support 1000, a foundation started by a man in Chicago. It’s no big surprise that for men, bras are items of interest. But for this man, Oz du Soleil, bras sparked a more unique interest—and a mission. For the past few years, Oz has been collecting bras, new and gently worn, which he donates to needy women. Starting in 2008 with one bra and a goal of donating 1000 bras, Oz has now sent 6000 bras as far as Mali and Zimbabwe.
It’s a wonderful way to contribute to women who are in need of what most women take for granted.
As a breast cancer survivor, I can see the poignancy—but also the satisfaction. So when I got home after my trip to Victoria’s Secret, I did something else I haven’t done for years—I went through my lingerie drawer. You might wonder why a woman who doesn’t wear them anymore would own any bras at all—but I found more than those 3 in the picture above. So I decided to pack up my bras—and my memories—for Oz to send to women who can actually use them. Ironically I feel lucky to find something that “fills out” my cancer journey.
One more ironic twist: Though I have no use for the real thing, thanks to Boobalas I created my own version of Victoria’s Secret:
Click here to learn more about donating bras to Support 1000.
Susan @WhyMommy says
Neat! Sounds like a good effort.
Oz du Soleil says
Thanks so much for the support Darryle, you are GREAT. Support1000 feels blessed to have helped fill out your journey.
Susan, it’s certainly been a great effort.
The GypsyNester says
Darryle – you continue to amaze me. Thanks for sharing a little piece of your heart.
Darryle Pollack says
No one knows better than you how useless a bra is once you lose your breasts—and no one has as bigger heart than you. Thanks so much. And this is a wonderful effort. According to Oz, in Africa, women who own underwear are seen as having higher status, and less likely to experience sexual assault.
Darryle Pollack says
Thank you Oz for doing this, I’m happy I have any bras left to contribute and think more women should know about this; it’s so easy to do. I’m sure it’s been incredibly rewarding for you to discover how much this means to women who can’t afford to buy their own bras. Thanks so much for commenting and for all your work.
Darryle Pollack says
Thanks so much Veronica. For someone having no breasts and no use for bras, this was a no-brainer. Just a little more cancer humor. Haha
Oz du Soleil says
One thing Darryle invited me to share with you all is the email we received from a woman who helps women in Zimbabwe.
She requested bras and explained that the women in the villages face problems with HIV/AIDS and sexual violence. A donation of bras could help them because a woman with undergarments is seen higher in social status and is more likely to avoid sexual violence.
We sent 114 bras and 130 sanitary pads and recently heard that the bras were received, distributed, and the women were so appreciative; some were elated, others moved to tears.
Support1000 thanks people like Darryle for helping get the message out, and we thank the public for being generous with their donations of bras and money, helping keep the mission alive.
Gabriel Bras-Standish says
I had the opportunity one time to do some work with some under privilaged children and in all honesty, it was one of the most gratifying moments of my life as it seems for Darryle as well.
Darryle Pollack says
Thanks, Oz, hope this inspires women to donate and see how much value there is in something as simple as a bra–what a difference it can make in someone’s life.
Darryle Pollack says
Totally agree, and see you’ve learned how rewarding it is to give, that giving is the best gift we can give ourselves. Thanks so much for sharing.
marlawentner says
This is a wonderful organization, Darryle, and it is so great that you are helping get the word out to those who can help. There is another opportunity that I would like to discuss with you, one that is donating 10% of its sales to breast cancer research. I don’t want to take up a great deal of space on your blog, and wondered if you could e-mail me directly so that I can explain it to you? Thanks, Darryle.
I love your blog, read it every day, but some days don’t have the time to comment. It all stays in my mind with the other clutter!
Darryle Pollack says
Thanks so much, Marla. I’m always interested to learn about any organizations or companies donating to cancer research, will email you about it. Doesn’t matter if you comment, thanks for reading! And trust me, no one has a mind more cluttered than mine!