Mojo in the Morning and Lady Jane's Haircuts for Men engage community for Bras for a Cause

$10,000 donated to Karmanos Cancer Institute's breast cancer support programs

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Oct 30, 2014, 12:55 ET

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Channel 955's Mojo, host of Mojo in the Morning; and Chad Johnson, CEO of Lady Jane's Haircuts for Men, have both lost loved ones to breast cancer. Their passion for raising awareness of breast cancer screening and early detection led to the Bras for a Cause promotion, a month-long fun challenge that kicked off Oct. 6 during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thanks to community support, thousands of bras were collected. On Oct. 30, Johnson and the Mojo in the Morning team presented a $10,000 check to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, benefitting breast cancer support programs that assist patients in need of financial help while going through treatment.

Mojo, host of Detroit's Channel 955's Mojo in the Morning; and Chad Johnson, CEO of Lady Jane's Haircuts for Men, have both lost loved ones to breast cancer. Their passion for raising awareness of breast cancer led to Bras for a Cause. Johnson pledged $1 for every bra collected. The metro-Detroit community responded. On Oct. 30, Johnson and the Mojo in the Morning team presented a $10,000 check to Nick Karmanos for the Karmanos Cancer Institute's breast cancer support programs. From left to right are Shannon, Mojo, Johnson, Spike and Karmanos.

Bras for a Cause

Mojo met several weeks ago with Johnson and they started talking about their families. They found that they were both passionate about raising awareness to support the fight to end breast cancer

"I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was 14 years old," said Mojo. "During the month of October, I'm always reminded that my mom lost her battle with this disease. It's still painful."

Johnson could relate. His mother beat breast cancer at the age of 45 but 10 years later, the cancer returned and spread. She ended up losing her battle a short time later.

Johnson shared, "It breaks my heart daily to know that not only did I lose my mom; my kids no longer have their grandmother in their lives."

In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Although survival rates are improving, approximately 40,000 will die of the disease this year. Mojo wanted to do something more than just wear pink. He wanted to bring awareness to women and remind them to get their mammograms and he used the Mojo in the Morning Show as his platform. He brought back Bras for a Cause, a promotion the station initiated several years ago that collected approximately 5,000 bras and raised $5,000 for breast cancer programs. This year, Mojo challenged his listeners to double the amount of bras, which would result in a bigger donation to help those battling this disease.

Thanks to Johnson's generosity, he not only agreed to use his 21 Lady Jane locations throughout Michigan as bra collection sites, he agreed to pay $1 for every bra collected, up to $10,000, to help patients battling breast cancer. Channel 955 listeners welcomed the challenge in a big way.

What Happens to all the Bras?

Thousands of bras were donated in all colors and sizes. Finding where to put all of them so they could be sorted was also a challenge the community met. Storage space became available. The bras that are new or gently used will be distributed to the following nonprofit organizations: HAVEN, which offers comprehensive programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; Free the Girls, a nonprofit that offers sustainability programs for victims of human trafficking; and The Salvation Army.

Karmanos Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Support Programs

Getting a cancer diagnosis can be frightening and especially traumatic when uninsured, underinsured and in need of assistance. Patients are sometimes unable to work during their illness, which impacts their resources. The Karmanos Cancer Institute's specialized and compassionate staff helps each patient and their family deal with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Karmanos' breast cancer support programs assist patients in numerous ways: providing free mammograms, biopsies, treatment, help with prescription coverage and co-pays, as well as other medical needs. Karmanos also assists patients with non-medical needs, such as rent, utilities, food, transportation and more.

"When it comes to treating our patients, we realize that in addition to exceptional medical care to survive their illness, they also need the emotional and spiritual support that goes beyond the medicine," said Nick Karmanos, senior vice president, Institutional Relations, Karmanos Cancer Institute.

"We're fortunate to have a caring team of experts at Karmanos who take the time to listen and work with each patient and their loved ones to help alleviate the stresses that can come with a cancer diagnosis. We couldn't do this without the support of our community.

"Our sincerest thanks to the entire Mojo in the Morning team and their listeners; and to Chad Johnson and the team at Lady Jane's Haircuts for Men, for their enthusiasm for Bras for a Cause and their tremendous generosity that results in greater awareness of breast health and additional funds to help cancer patients at their greatest time of need."

How You Can Help

We can all help encourage breast health. Early detection saves lives. The earlier breast cancer can be detected, the greater the chances of survival.

All women are at risk of breast cancer. Clinical breast exams are encouraged at least every three years starting at age 18, and every year starting at age 40.
Women 40 and older should consider having regular mammograms. For women at increased risk, talk with your health care provider before age 40 about what screening schedule is right for you.
Become familiar with the look and feel of your breasts. Report any changes to your doctor.
Although it is rare, men can develop breast cancer. Men should also report breast lumps or changes to their health care provider.
Early stage breast cancer does not always have symptoms. That's why regular checkups are important. Women at average risk who are age 40 should receive regular mammograms.
Know your family history. Although most women with breast cancer have no family history, those women with an immediate family member with a history of breast or ovarian cancer are at an increased risk. Men who have a first-degree relative with breast cancer are also at greater risk.
Be proactive. Schedule your exams, get regular mammograms and encourage others to do the same.

For more information on cancer services, call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or visit www.karmanos.org.

About Mojo in the Morning
Mojo in the Morning is a morning radio show that broadcasts from Channel 955 in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It is hosted by Mojo, Spike, and Shannon from 6am to 10am Monday through Friday. Best known for its Phone Scams and interesting topics, the show is often number 1 in the ratings and likes to use that top spot to give back to the community in such ways as Bras for a Cause or Mojo's Breaking and Entering where the show helps families during the holidays. For more information go to www.mojointhemorning.com.

About Lady Jane's Haircuts for Men
Lady Jane's mission is to treat every customer like a king! A precision haircut includes a hot lather neck shave and hot towel treatment from an award winning stylist. LJ features multiple HDTVs, leather recliners, sports memorabilia and the most educated and talented stylists delivering an unbelievable haircut experience for men and boys. Lady Jane's was founded in Michigan in 2004 by CEO Chad Johnson. The company will open twenty stores in the next twelve months and soon will exceed triple digit locations. For more information, visit ljhaircuts.com.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.

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SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute