'Bras Across the Grand' to battle cancer | News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) - Nearly 40,000 people are expected to die from breast cancer this year.

But Saturday, volunteers with the American Cancer Society did their part to lower the statistic, with the help of hundreds of bras. The specially decorated bras hung along the Gillett Pedestrian Bridge Saturday morning as part of Bras Across the Grand. The annual event celebrates cancer survivors and reminds women that early detection is key to beating breast cancer.

One of this year's organizers is Earnestine Tolbert, who is a registered nurse.  She took care of people battling cancer before she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself.

"This meant so much to me last year. I came down and took pictures of this," said Tolbert. "I never knew that I would be a part of this event. What it means to me is life-- live life to the fullest and enjoy life."

Take Five and Company's Stephanie Webb, Eddie Rucker and Catherine Behrendt all decorated bras for the event as part of a friendly competition for donations. Organizers tell WZZM that Catherine won, likely because a man modeled her creation. The proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.