Bradie James’ Personal Mission: Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Bradie James, a team captain, isn't trying to set a fashion trend this month.  But he's secure enough in his masculinity to wear pink cleats and pink gloves during October.  To raise awareness of breast cancer, the NFL is allowing players during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month to wear pink cleats, gloves, wrist bands, sideline caps and towels.  Fighting breast cancer and promoting awareness is a priority for James who lost his mother, Etta, to breast cancer in 2002.

"My mom lost her battle with breast cancer, so it's good we can do something like this," said James.  "We're just going to honor all the survivors and all the people that lost their battles and promote awareness.  Last year, it was just pink wristbands.  We didn't get any pink equipment until late.  This year, the league has been more proactive.  It will be a good month."

James started his own foundation, Foundation 56, to raise awareness of breast cancer and provide mammograms for women who may not otherwise be able to afford the medical costs.

"I have three programs going on this month," James said of his foundation.  "I have an October 13th event.  We have 35 women we're offering free mammograms for.  On October 17th, we have the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure (Dallas event) and I'm co-chair with former First Lady Laura Bush.  And then I have my bash (fundraising party) at the end of the month (near Halloween). 

“As far as other guys in the league, I don't know what they're doing.  But for me, it's different because I have a passion.  My mom lost her battle with breast cancer.  It's good that we can do some things and I'm happy the league is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  We want to promote awareness."

James is a strong person, not just physically, but emotionally, too.  Not only did his lose his mother to breast cancer while James attended LSU in 2002, he also lost his father to liver disease within months of losing his mother.  He still excelled in school, not only on the football field, but as a National Scholar Athlete and member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

As the result of Foundation56 being established in 2007, the youngest surviving son of Etta James began carrying out the agenda of his primary influential decision to create Soul Survivors, an outreach initiative of Foundation56.

“Losing my mother to breast cancer has connected me to this issue, knowing that the women, men and families being touched by Soul Survivors have given me the personal satisfaction knowing that I am truly making a difference," said James.

The LSU graduate teamed up with his alma mater to create the Etta James Memorial Meet, a gymnastics meet which has received the support from thousands at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center at LSU for the past few years.

“To date, we have raised more than $100,000 to aid various agencies,” said James.

Currently leading the charge to partner with Dallas County’s Parkland’s Mobile Unit and outreach services, James is diligently working to create accessibility to adequate services for those impacted by breast cancer directly and indirectly.

"I want to serve as a voice to encourage men - husbands, fathers, brothers and other men to send a message to women… a message of hope, of strength and a message of life, a message that breast cancer doesn’t just affect women, it affects the entire family.”

At the end of the month, the NFL will auction some of the game worn equipment on its Web site with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.  Meanwhile, if you want more information on James' efforts and Foundation 56, go to www.bradiejames.net.