‘Brakes for Breasts’ Fundraises for Breast Cancer Treatment

An initiative started by two shop owners to fundraise for breast cancer treatment research has become a nationwide effort that’s raised over $1 million, WKYC reports.

The Brakes for Breasts campaign was first started in 2011 by Laura Frank, former owner of Auto Repair Technology, and Leigh Anne Best, marketing director of Mighty Auto Pro. 

Within a month, they got the ball rolling on the project, inspired by the work done by Dr. Vincent Tuohy: a researcher at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio who has been working on a vaccine for triple-negative breast cancer.

Throughout the month of October, independent auto repair shops nationwide provide free brake pads for customers and only charge for labor and any additional parts needed. 10% of the total cost is then donated to Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund.

In the past decade, over $1.6 million has been raised, with this year’s goal being to surpass $2 million. 

“Not one penny goes to cover administration costs or salaries,” said Frank. “We are not a 501-C3, we simply unite people who raise money and donate to the BCVRP. Brakes for Breasts runs solely on volunteers.”