From the Lockport Journal Spotlight-
A group of local women decided to do something different to celebrate October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They turned their bras into an arts and craft party for a good cause. This week’s Spotlight shines on two generations of the Wagner girls.
When Theresa Underberg Wagner died of breast cancer in August of 1978, she left behind nine children. Six of them were girls who are all too aware of the role that genetics play in the instance of breast cancer. They are careful to be pro-active in their own health and to have annual mammograms and exams. Four of them, Nancy Wagner Liuzzi of Barker, Kathy Wagner Schumacher of Medina, Donna Wagner Daluisio of Middleport and Julie Wagner Fuerch of Barker make their annual mammogram appointments together. They have been blessed with cancer- free results each year, leading to their personal cheer of “8 Great!”
As a member of the local Relay For Life team that is hooking together a mile of bras to raise cancer awareness and money for the American Cancer Society, Nancy asked her sisters to contribute a bra. Since organizers invite donors to mark the bra in honor or memory of those with cancer, they tossed around ideas for decorating. Finally, Nancy added the incentive of a decorating party with some wine and cheese and the girls got together to make their mark. Sister Rosemary Elliot of Elba was able to make the trip for the party, but Chris Wagner Hulsey of Fort Worth Texas will be sending hers in the mail.
Rosemary is a seamstress and stitched a tape measure and safety pins around a black-leather bra before adding the gal’s motto “8 Great!” Others, like Gail Damon and Margaret Wagner added flowers, stars or fabric paint accents to stand out on the line of bras that will stretch a mile along the Erie Canal next Mother’s Day.
Cousin Debra Bulmer of Lockport has two sisters who have battled breast cancer and lost her mom as well. Angeline was the sister of Theresa Underberg Wagner. That family connection brings them all together to fight cancer. When the American Cancer Society Relay For Life began in Barker in 2000, “Wagner’s Warriors” team dressed in camouflage to take up the fight. The women have taken a different approach with their support this year, but continue to support the ACS mission of research, patient services, education and advocacy.
Another generation of the Wagner clan is equally as involved. Nancy’s daughter Sarah Liuzzi, son’s fiance Cassie Szalay and cousins April Volkosh and Tammy Wagner added their own unique artistic statements at the bra party. Sarah chose “Save the Ta-Ta’s,” a popular tee shirt slogan, while Cassie decorated hers in memory of grandmother Carol Szalay. This generation of women is far more open and aware of the dynamics of cancer prevention and early detection.
What better way to celebrate family and the joy of being together than by gathering for a fun-filled evening of bra decorating? “We had loads of fun with a Be-Dazzler gadget that had been gathering dust,” said Nancy. “The thirteen of us had to take turns at the table with the glue gun and do-dads and there was a lot of laughter. Family times are always joyous because we count our blessings.” For turning family time into a productive fundraising effort to help others who have faced the battle against cancer, the Spotlight shines on the Wagner girls.
For information on Hooking Together the Mammary Mile, the fundraiser by Thee Barker Store’s Soda Jerks team, go to the FAQ page in the right sidebar of this blog at http://www.mammarymilehookup.wordpress.com or call 795-3085.
They are accepting bras, along with a $5 donation to the ACS at
Thee Barker Store , 8671 Main Street in Barker, NY 14012, where many of the bras are on display.
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Hooking up the "Mammary Mile" 