A belief in the importance of breast cancer research and support for patients battling the disease runs deep among a group of staff members from in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
They added a hefty dose of creativity to their concern and the result was “Spartina,” an intricately designed bra and skirt that will serve as the college’s entry in the Oct. 1 “It’s a Breast Thing,” fundraiser.
“A dear friend and colleague passed away this year and we wanted to honor her,” says Ann Cook, MSUCOM graphic designer and photographer. “Once we starting thinking about all the women in our college who had fought breast cancer, the list grew to over 16 women and we wanted to honor them all. We asked the Dean if the college would like to support the event and once he saw the list of women there was no question of our participation.”
The It’s a Breast Thing Foundation raises funds to support breast cancer research and assistance for breast cancer patients. The organization’s fundraiser at Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath, Mich. gives local individuals or groups the chance to enter a contest for the best-decorated bra. Attendees at the event can vote for their favorite design and the top 12 vote-getters will be featured on a 2014 calendar.
Coming up with the idea for the ensemble’s design was the easy part of the task. Cook worked with a group that included Beth Courey, director of scheduling and student activities.
“Since the Dean wanted the college to be a sponsor of the event, and the holistic philosophy of osteopathic medicine pervades our culture here, we decided the best embodiment of that was a female Spartan cancer warrior,” Cook noted.
The MSUCOM group spent more than 25 hours on their own time to complete the project, which includes a green and white beaded bra, a cape with epaulets and matching skirt.
“Like everything else we do here, it was a team effort,” Courey said.
The outfit is on display on the first floor of East Fee Hall until the fundraiser.