Mobile, Ala. – The nonprofit Bras Across the Causeway, which has spent a decade assisting breast cancer patients in Mobile and Baldwin counties, is gearing up for its 10th annual 5K run and festival on Sunday, Nov. 1. The event will take place at Battleship Memorial Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.
Survivor shares her journey
Ashley Jones, a local woman diagnosed with HER2‑positive breast cancer at age 32, is using her experience to encourage early detection. A self‑breast exam revealed a lump, prompting her to seek medical care the same day. “I was like, I’ve got to get this lump checked because it had gotten even bigger,” Jones recalled.
Dr. Lindsey Beakley, a breast cancer surgeon at Southern Cancer Center, explained that one in eight women will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. She noted that advances in treatment and recovery have improved outcomes, emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s risk and catching disease early.
“I have been a breast cancer surgeon since 2018,” Dr. Beakley said. “I see patients right after diagnosis, and for most women, it’s one of the most difficult times of their lives. We talk a lot about what the treatments will be, but I also think that focusing on how we can help these people emotionally and financially is so important as well.”
Financial help and community support
After her diagnosis on July 8, Jones faced mounting medical bills and costly copays. Bras Across the Causeway stepped in to cover some everyday expenses, easing the financial strain. “It’s very hard to ask for help, especially when you’ve been the caregiver. You’re the one taking care of patients and now you’re the patient,” Jones said.
Jones’s faith also plays a central role in her outlook. “It’s a test for my testimony. God chose me to be an inspiration to other women that are going through this and to uplift them through this, it’s an honor,” she said.
She is documenting her journey on TikTok, sharing both the challenges—such as hair loss—and the hope she finds in community support. Jones is scheduled for a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in January and plans to stand with other survivors at the upcoming 5K.
How to get involved
Organizers encourage donations to help other local women facing similar battles. “If you can just donate, there are women out there who need help,” Jones urged. “My goal is to help other women now. To know that I was able to be helped, I would love to help the next woman.”
Participants can pre‑register online and are welcome to bring family and friends to support the cause. The festival will feature local vendors, music, and activities for all ages, creating a family‑friendly environment while raising awareness about breast cancer detection.
Bras Across the Causeway’s 10th anniversary underscores a decade of community‑driven assistance, reminding residents that early detection, emotional support, and financial aid are vital components of the fight against breast cancer.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
