Citizens For A Better Norwood

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Help pave a brick path to a cure for breast cancer

The 9th annual Breast Cancer Brick Auction will be held at the centrally-located Cintas Center at Xavier University on Sunday, October 10 from 2 to 5 pm. Bricks painted by local artists and celebrities are auctioned to benefit breast cancer research, advocacy and patient support in the area. Admission and parking are free.

'Bricks Along the Journey' was started by Ellen B. Ganson. When diagnosed with breast cancer, she said it felt like she had been hit with a ton of bricks. Instead of giving in to that defeated feeling, she decided to use the image of bricks in a positive way to symbolize laying a path of hope.

Ganson devised the idea of asking local artists to transform bricks into beautiful objects of art. This symbolizes the journey women and men with breast cancer experience as they struggle with the debilitating nature of this disease and yet commit themselves to rejuvenate, rebuild and beautify life.

Breast cancer is so prevalent that the inspirations artists write for their brick art often reflects their own personal experiences or those of friends and relatives. More than 300 artists from over a dozen states donate their time and talents for the Breast Cancer Silent Brick Auction.

Hundreds of brick art will be available at the auction. Glass, mosaic, oil, tile, ceramic, fiber, collage, and many other media are represented. Beginning bids range in price, some at $25. The average brick may go for around $75, but be warned - there are not many average bricks in the auction! The brick art makes lovely gifts for home display and gardens. Click here to see samples and for more information about the Ellen B. Ganson Foundation.

Proceeds have benefitted breast cancer research projects, education, advocacy groups and improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients in Greater Cincinnati. The 2010 beneficiaries include: The Mary Jo Cropper Breast Care Center at Bethesda North Hospital, Cancer Family Care, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Hereditary Cancer Program, FORCE:Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Mercy Hospital Anderson Women's Center, The Wellness Community of Greater Cincinnati and the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati’s Great Beginnings Teen Breast Health Program.