Sorority lines bras across Delphi bridge

DELPHI, Ind. (WLFI) - Big, small, and colorful bras lined the Washington Street Bridge in Delphi Sunday afternoon. Delphi's Psi Iota Xi Sorority, collected the 45 bras to raise awareness about the benefits of breast cancer early detection.

Members said the variety of bras is a reminder that cancer doesn't affect just one type of person.

"Whether you're a large-breasted woman, or a small-breasted woman, [breast cancer] doesn't discriminate against anybody," Cancer Survivor and Psi Iota Xi Sorority Member Rita Clark said.

For the women of Psi Iota Xi, breast cancer is a disease that hits home. Of the sorority's 28 members, three are Breast Cancer survivors.

Mary VanSickle is a 16-year survivor, and member of Psi Iota Xi. She thanks her regular mammogram, which is a form of early detection, for saving her life.

"There was not indication I had breast cancer until I got [to my mammogram]," VanSickle said. "I ended up having to get a double mastectomy."

"We want to raise awareness in Carroll County that we support all women," Clark said. "We hope they'll get early mammograms, so no one has to go through what we went through."

However, the bras won't be staying in Carroll County. The women will donate them to Tippecanoe County's "Bras Across the Wabash." The Oct. 30 event will not only raise awareness for early detection, but it allows the YWCA to provide bras to those who need them.

"Some will go to breast cancer victims," Clark said. "Others will go to low income women who come to [the YWCA] for assistance, and who can't afford bras."

The women of Psi Iota Xi hope to make the event bigger next year. They're looking to collect 100 bras to string along the bridge.