CLEVELAND — If your car needs new brakes, there's still time to schedule an appointment while helping to raise money for the breast cancer vaccine being researched at Cleveland Clinic.
Brakes For Breasts started in 2011 by two women who owned auto repair shops and wanted to make a difference in the world. Laura Frank, former owner of Auto Repair Technology, and Leigh Anne Best, marketing director of Mighty Auto Pro, got the project off the ground in a month and dedicated their charity to the work of Dr. Vincent Tuohy, a Cleveland Clinic researcher working on a vaccine for triple negative breast cancer.
Brakes for Breasts unites independent auto repair shops across the country during the month of October. The participating repair shop provides their customers with free brake pads and the customer simply pays for the labor and any other parts that may be needed.
The shop then donates 10% of that total to the Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund.
Dr. Tuohy died earlier this year, but his research continues and the clinical trials of patients has already entered its second phase. Brakes For Breasts donated more than $1 million to this research in the last decade.
"We've always been passionate about supporting Dr Tuohy and this research, but now with his unfortunate passing, we are even more determined to raise awareness and see this and the ovarian cancer research through. Since 2011 we have raised over $1.6 million. We've set a goal to pass $2 million this year. One of the things that was important to LeighAnne and me was that 100% of all money raised is donated. That's how we operate. Not one penny goes to cover administration costs or salaries. 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," Laura Frank said.
The program ends October 31st, but if you make an appointment now, make sure to let the shop know that you want to participate in the Breaks For Breasts program.
Auto Repair Shops nationwide are participating. To find one, click HERE