The Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas Thanks Everyone Who Responded with Care at Saturday’s 4th Annual GRAPHIC Art Bra Fashion Show and Art Auction

An overwhelming tone of sisterhood and support swept over the Bob Bullock State History Museum this Saturday evening at the Breast Cancer Resource Centers (BCRC) of Texas’s 4th Annual Art Bra Fashion Show and Art Auction. GRAPHIC is a moving, annual event that was created to celebrate those who have triumphed over this disease as well as to honor and remember those who have sadly lost their battle.  Early in the runway show at Saturday night’s event, one of the models, a breast cancer survivor herself and client of the BCRC, collapsed on stage.

“As difficult and as sad as it was, it was so moving to see such a quick response,” said Vivian Smith, Executive Director of the BCRC. “One of the reasons she is doing as well as she is, is because of the immediate care and support from everyone there and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

It is unclear at this time what events led directly to her collapse. Her oncologist, Dr. Debra Patt, was present at the event and rushed to help her as soon as she collapsed, along with her husband who is a cardiologist. Dr. Patt continued to give her CPR and stayed by her side when the ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital. Dr. Patt comments on her current condition: “I think that we are very fortunate that her incident was handled so appropriately and rapidly, because she is in a stable condition and expected to make a complete recovery.  Though I’m sure this was frightening for many people to witness, we are lucky it happened as it did with so many quick medical responders to lend a helping hand.  She is being evaluated extensively to determine the cause of Saturday’s events.”

ABOUT THE BREAST CANCER RESOURCE CENTERS (BCRC) OF TEXAS

As breast cancer survivors, the BCRC helps women of any age, culture, education, profession, and financial status navigate from diagnosis through recovery, and all services are free of charge.

Founded in 1995, the BCRC now serves close to 5,000 clients each year from six locations and offers a helpline to provide immediate support; weekly orientations to clarify diagnosis and treatment options and provide information about available resources, a lending library including a special Children’s Resource Collection to assist parents in explaining breast cancer to their children, peer-to-peer support, a number of support groups, and physical recovery information. The team assists patients by providing emotional support and by aiding with the practical matters of filling out forms and formulating questions for the physicians. The BCRC also has offices at St. David’s Professional Building in Round Rock, The St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas at North Austin Medical Center, St. David’s Georgetown Cancer Center, and their newest location at the Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos. Learn more about the Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas services and events at http://www.bcrc.org.