'Bras Across The River' will focus on breast cancer awareness

MOSS POINT, MS (WLOX) - In ten days, a Moss Point bridge will be covered from one end to the other in bras. "Bras Across the River" a fun event with a very serious message.

The bras are being collected at Singing River Federal Credit Union locations in Jackson County.  Inside the business, there are sobering reminders of the toll that breast cancer takes. The names of survivors and victims have been placed on a large placard, along with other reminders.

"The truth of the matter is there was a great need. There was no event in Jackson County to honor breast cancer awareness," said SRFCU Communications VP Trudi Mullins. "There's a great event in Biloxi, but our citizens here needed an event to honor their loved ones because there's a disproportionate amount of breast cancer diagnoses in Jackson County."

It's a powerful way for the credit union to give back, according to Chief Financial Officer Ricky Browning.  "We strive to be involved in the community for one thing and this is a big part of that. We have a huge turnout of community," Browning said.

For most of the employees at this credit union, they've become involved not because they have to, simply because they want to. For the president of the credit union, it has become a personal mission.

"We have a 25 year cancer survivor here on our staff," Jimmy Smith said.  "My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago, as well. Most of us, to some degree, have been impacted by this terrible disease."

Mullins said the first event last year was big, but the bar is set even higher this year.

"That is my dream honestly. It is the mission of Singing River Federal Credit Union to leave a legacy of community support. This is a legacy event," Mullins said.  "We would like to see this event continue every year."

The bridge walk will be held on Saturday, October 20th starting at 10am.  The credit union is donating $1 for each donated bra.  Last year, more than 4,000 bras were strung across the Highway 613 bridge.

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