NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD, Portsmouth, Va. –
Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Stacey Dunn with the Structural Engineering Division (Code 254) recently won the grand prize during the 12th annual Bra-Ha-Ha Awards Show and Auction.
Dunn’s entry – which she entitled ‘Abreast of Routine Maintenance’ - was entered into the contest held at Tidewater Community College’s Chesapeake Student Center Oct. 18. Among 140 other applicants, Dunn’s design was awarded for "best profession inspired" and received the grand prize for the event.
When asked what inspired her design, she said that America’s Shipyard was her biggest inspiration. “Being a shipyard worker, we all come together to maintain our Navy ships so they can protect our country,” said Dunn. “I wanted to pay homage to that effort with my design. In the old days, the ships would have a figurehead at the front, a maiden that brings good luck to the voyage. So, I decided that it would also bring good luck to put a ship at the front of the women who wear these designed bras. I’m very proud of the design.”
Dunn has lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), where areas of abnormal cell growth increases her risk of developing invasive breast cancer. In recognition of her treatment and to celebrate those like her who are survivors, she joined the contest for 2019.
The Bra-Ha-Ha event, is a part of the Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation, and is a one-of-a-kind fundraising experience that allows members of the community to construct unique designs using breast cancer as inspiration for their canvas. The event aims to raise funds to improve breast health and breast cancer detection rates in the area’s under served population. To learn more about the event, please visit https://brahaha.org/.