Brown’s Tire, Towing & Auto Center is participating for the third consecutive year in the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Pictured, from left, are Maria Brown, Jason Taylor, Ronnie Brown, Mitch LaVelle and Scott Monroe. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Brown’s Tire, Towing & Auto Care Center is, for the third consecutive year, participating in the national Brakes for Breasts campaign.

The campaign is held throughout the month of October, in recognition of its status as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brakes for Breasts coordinates independent repair facilities across the country to raise funds for cancer research, specifically the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund.

Brown’s Tire, Towing & Auto Care Center is one of two in the state of West Virginia that participates in the national campaign.

“There is only one other shop, and they are in Charleston,” said Maria Brown, who owns Brown’s Tire with her husband, Ronald.

Brown noted her uncertainty over why more shops don’t participate in the campaign.

“It is a good, community thing to do,” Brown said. “After our first two successful years, we are proud to once again continue with the event. It is a win-win for everyone.”

As part of the fundraiser, participating shops give away free brake pads or shoes, with the customer paying only for the labor and any other necessary parts. Ten percent of those proceeds goes to the fundraiser.

Developed by Leigh Anne Best and Laura Frank, Brakes for Breasts initially raised about $10,000 from a handful of automotive maintenance shops in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. The numbers continue to increase every year, as more shops sign on to assist with the fundraising effort. Last year, there were 148 independent repair shops across 37 states, which helped raise more than $215,000 in 2021.

Brakes for Breasts is run solely by volunteers and supported by the auto repair community. A true grassroots initiative, all funds go to research. Dr. Vincent Tuohy, at the Cleveland Clinic, has created a vaccine that has proved effective in laboratory animals in actually preventing breast cancer. Funds raised will continue to further that research in hopes of successfully creating a vaccine.

To learn more about Tuohy’s breast cancer vaccine, to browse a list of participating facilities and to view a yearly breakdown of the more than $1.4 million raised, visit www.brakesforbreasts.com.

Those who wish to take advantage of the opportunity to give to the Brakes for Breasts cause are encouraged to schedule their brake work between now and Oct. 31. Brown’s Tire, Towing & Auto Center is located at 7735 Martinsburg Pike. Staff can be reached at 304-876-6835 to schedule an appointment.