Cambridge, Ontario – Nearly 100 guests gathered at Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, for Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day—an inspiring evening of education, empowerment, and connection. Breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families and healthcare professionals attended and hosted presentations on reconstruction options, shared stories of strength, and gave hope to those amid, and for some, just beginning this difficult journey.
“I can’t tell you how much this information has helped me on my personal journey. Please keep this going for all the women and men who unfortunately get this disease,” a participant said in an email to organizers following the event.
“After attending BRA Day, attendees should feel more informed, inspired, and empowered to consider breast reconstruction,” said Dr. Kathryn Sawa, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at CMH who performed the Region’s first Diagonal Upper Gracilis (DUG) free flap breast reconstruction surgery in 2024.
The event, last hosted before the pandemic, returned with several presentations by surgeons—including Dr. Sawa and a breast cancer survivor who shared practical information about breast cancer surgery, the benefits of reconstruction, and the surgical options available at CMH. The show-and-tell lounge featuring breast cancer survivor models provided guests the opportunity to view real-life breast reconstruction results, ask questions and connect with others who are considering reconstructive surgery.
CMH’s Breast Reconstruction Program—in collaboration with Waterloo Region Health Network (WRHN) and Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program (WWRCP)—is addressing a growing need in the community. Through expertise, advocacy, and compassion, the Region is bringing hope to many patients, survivors, and families.
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Robelle Meereboer, Communications Specialist
Public Affairs & Communications
Cambridge Memorial Hospital
519.621.2333 x2630
rmeereboer@cmh.org
About Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Cambridge Memorial Hospital is an acute care hospital offering a full complement of integrated services including surgery, maternity, laboratory, diagnostics and emergency. It employs over 1,600 dedicated and skilled health care professionals, technicians and staff, 250 physicians and almost 500 volunteers providing exceptional care to the residents of Cambridge, the township of North Dumfries and the Region of Waterloo. For more information, visit www.cmh.org
About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.
Learn more at WRHN.ca.