Regional Events



On October 19th 2011, Canada will be celebrating the first ever National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA-Day).

To mark this historic day, events are being held all across the country, from coast to coast, to help promote both awareness and patient access to reconstructive breast surgery. With this general goal in mind, events are being organized on the local and regional grass-roots level in order to take advantage of the unique environments, populations, and diverse resources that exist across the country.

Celebrations will see the coming together of interested stakeholders including breast cancer patients and those at risk of breast cancer, their families and supporters, health care providers, breast cancer support groups, corporate citizens, and the media.

We invite you to join with us and participate in the events in your community. Together we can achieve our common vision, where all women needing breast cancer surgery will be offered information about the options for reconstructive breast surgery and be provided access to breast reconstruction in a safe and timely manner.

Please return to this page for a complete listing of local activities as they become available.

Recent Events and Other News

Kelowna, BC

A group of Kelowna women are raising awareness about the first Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day in an unconventional way - by going topless on a bus!

To highlight Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day a group of 25 women posed for a very tasteful photo without their shirts on. This photo is currently traveling around Kelowna on the side of three local busses to promote Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, happening Wednesday, October 19, 2011.

The photo features women who have either undergone breast reconstruction, or are waiting to have reconstruction.

The public is invited to come see the photo on the side of a bus on Wednesday, October 19th from 12 to 2 pm at the Queensway bus loop. There will be an opportunity to meet and chat with many of the women who posed for the photo. Cookies and refreshments will also be served.

Vancouver, BC



Flash Mob in Vancouver on October 16th 2011, with great commentary by Dr. Sheina Macadam at the end.

Welcome, Melmira! We'd like to thank Melmira boutique for their support of the BRA Day online and in stores.
Melmira's unique approach to working with women pre and post-surgery involves working beyond the limits of "surgical" garments, and offering an experience whereby women restore a positive body image, confidence, and self-esteem.

We are happy to welcome "Pink & Teal" quarterly magazine as our sponsor! Click the Pink & Teal logo below for more information.

Sleep Country will be displaying BRA Day posters in their stores in Ontario and British Columbia.

Okanagan, BC

Okanagan Health Group and their supporters will have a wrap - around bus banner running for five days. The photo will be accompanied by breast cancer statistics in the left corner.
OHG funded the whole expense on their own.

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day banner

Kelowna, BC



Flash Mob hits Kelowna on August 5th 2011 with almost 100 people, mostly women, dancing in support of National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day coming up October 19th 2011.

Local Contacts

Below please find a list of regional organizers and their contact information. Please feel free to contact them to learn more about how you can support Canadian National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day.

Events Scheduled for October 19, 2011

British Columbia

Kelowna:
Venue to be announced; 6pm-8pm

Dr. Stan Valnicek, Dr. Scott Williamson, "Evening of information and education"

Vancouver:
Paetzold Auditorium, VGH; 6pm-8pm

Dr. Peter Lennox, Dr. Sheina Macadam, "Evening of information and education"

Ontario

Ajax/Pickering: Rouge Valley Ajax/Pickering Hospital
Main Foyer, All-day Information Kiosk
Coordinator: Dr. Allan Eckhaus

Brampton: Brampton Civic Hospital

William Osler Health System will be having educational seminars to celebrate BRA Day.

6 pm to 9 pm - Public Information Open House

6:30pm - Dr. Christine Tang will be discussing "Breast Reconstruction Options" at a community presentation at the Brampton Civic Hospital Auditorium on Oct 19 at 630 pm. Some patients will be present as well.

7:00pm to 7:40pm - Keynote presentation by Dr Don Jones, Chief of Oncology, and Dr. Christine Tang, Plastic Surgeon.

Hamilton: Dr. Arianna Dal Cin, Dr. Ronen Avram,
"Life After Breast Cancer Conference"

Ottawa: Dr. Nick Guay will be launching the Canadian Collaboration on Breast Reconstruction Information Website

Sudbury:
Sudbury Regional Hospital
41 Ramsey Lake Rd., Main Conference Room

6:30pm - 8pm. Open to the public.
Space is limited; free parking available.

Dr. Amanda Fortin, Plastic Surgeon, will hold an information session outlining options for breast reconstruction following breast cancer therapy

Toronto, Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital:
Main Foyer, All-day Information Kiosk
Coordinator: Dr. Jayson S. Dool

Toronto, Toronto General Hospital:
Clinical Services Building, Basement Level, Room BC S021
200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario

6pm - 9pm, "Breast Reconstruction - An Evening of Learning and Sharing"

Leading experts will present on topics including the latest techniques in breast reconstruction, navigating the medical system, and therapy to enhance and improve your recovery. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and speak to local surgeons and health team members, see exhibits of devices used in reconstruction, and link directly with breast cancer support organizations.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet other women who have undergone reconstruction, and see first hand what breast reconstruction can achieve!

The event will take place in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments will be provided.

Toronto, Humber River Regional Hospital (Finch Site):
2111 Finch Ave. West

8am - 4pm, "Breast Cancer Reconstruction - Yes, You Can"

Dr. Martin Jugenburg, Plastic Surgeon, will explain options and benefits of breast reconstruction following breast cancer therapy. Printed material and computer-based information will be available.

Fundraising T-shirts will be available on-site and can be purchased in advance, (416) 834-6640.

Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre:
2075 Bayview Ave., Suite M1-500, Toronto, ON
Vaughan Estate, Courtyard Ballroom

9am - 4pm, "Guiding you through the journey of breast reconstruction"

Drs. Joan Lipa and Laura Snell

Topics for discussion include safety and cancer surveillance following reconstruction, a photo-journey of the options for breast reconstruction, healthy lifestyle modifications, and body image changes that surround mastectomy and reconstruction.

Coffee and Lunch will be provided. Free parking is available at the Estates of Sunnybrook. Click here for directions.

Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital:
10am - 12pm, Marketeria, 6th Floor, Cardinal Carter Wing

"Breast Reconstruction: What and Why?"

Come and see what options women with breast cancer have to restore their breast after surgery. Walk through the display and learn more about reconstruction. Enjoy cake and coffee.

1:30pm - 2:30pm, Paul Marshall Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor of the Queen Wing

"Breast Reconstruction: Who, When, Why, How"

Come and learn in an interactive lecture all the key questions in breast reconstruction. Dr. Melinda Musgrave, Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon at St. Michael's, will talk about options for women with breast cancer considering breast reconstruction.

3pm - 4pm

"Breast Reconstruction: My Story"

Four women talk about their breast cancer journey and their decision to have reconstructive surgery. They will talk about why they choose reconstruction and how it has impacted their lives.

Toronto, Scarborough General Hospital: Patient Information Session.

2pm - 6pm, General Campus Artists Walkway

The Scarborough Hospital breast reconstruction group will host a drop-in information session that will include intimate and personal discussions on all aspects of breast reconstruction including implant choices, pedicled and microvascular flaps, and ancillary procedures such as nipple reconstruction and tattooing.

Surgeons and patients at various stages of reconstruction will be available to answer any questions you may have. Download this news release for more information.

Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John's:
Dusk UltraLounge
George Street, St. John's, NL
6pm-9pm, open to the public

Speakers:

  • Dr. Joy Cluett, Plastic Surgeon
  • Dr. Shane Seal, Plastic Surgeon

The following Plastic Surgeons will be present for the information session:

  • Dr. Joy Cluett
  • Dr. Donny Fitzpatrick
  • Dr. David Jewer
  • Dr. Arthur Rideout
  • Dr. Shane Seal
Nova Scotia

Halifax:
Halifax Infirmary Hospital, Royal Bank Theatre
1776 Summer Street, Halifax
4pm-6pm. Open to all.

Information session with complete breast cancer overview from oncology surgery to plastic surgery history and current options. One personal story. Overview of new breast health centre.

"Breast Reconstruction-A Woman's Choice" information session. Speakers:

  • Ms. Chris Power, CEO, Capital District Health Authority
  • Ms. Sherry Porter, Past Chair of the QEII Foundation
  • Dr. Steven Morris, Plastic Surgeon
  • Dr. Anne Tweed, Medical Director, Breast Health Program
  • Dr. Carmen Giacomantonio, Director, Surgical Oncology
  • Ms. Kelly Hennessey, Patient
  • Dr. Jason Williams, Plastic Surgeon
Quebec

Montreal:
Montreal Neurological Hospital & Institute
3801 University St., Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre in the Webster Pavilion, room A1

Please note, this event will take place
on October 18, 6pm - 9pm
Download event program

Free admission and free parking at the Royal Victoria hospital; Free parking vouchers will be distributed at the lecture

This program provides important information for cancer patients, their families and friends, and health care professionals.
All are welcome!

Ce programme offre de l'information importante pour les personnes touchées par le cancer, leur famille et amis ainsi qu'aux donneurs de soins professionnels. Bienvenue a tous!