Illinois Diver Auctions Sports Bra For Breast Cancer

Local Olympic hopeful joins the fight against breast cancer

U.S. athletes are fighting breast cancer one sports bra at a time.

The Keep A Breast Foundation launched the MZ and Emmers Sports Bra Auction on April 7, partnering with top athletes to raise money for Breast Cancer organizations.

Among them is Illinois diver and 2012 Olympic hopeful Christina Loukas. She decorated and autographed her own sports bra for the cause featured on eBay.

“The main reason I wanted to be part of the auction was because my grandmother and my mom are breast cancer survivors,” said Loukas. “My aunt also had breast cancer but died. I had them in mind while making my sports bra.”

The Riverwoods native’s creation was last featured at a going price of $355, with 90 percent of the proceeds supporting The Keep A Breast Foundation.

After finding out her sports bra was selling for more than $330, Loukas said, “I was so surprised, I was just hoping for one person to bid at $30. It’s so awesome.”

The sports bras each started out at $30.00 in the auction and have reached up to $765 for Sarah Cattaneo. The auction ends Saturday.  

Though currently training in The Woodlands in Texas, Loukas says she's still an avid Chicago Cubs fan, especially since her family owns the Cubby Bear lounge in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.

Loukas trained at Indiana University with coach Jeff Huber through the 2010 winter nationals, continuing her training at the Woodlands Diving Academy in Texas with coach Ken Armstrong in 2010.

In 2009 Loukas was named the NCAA diver of the year and has had a lengthy list of accomplishments throughout her career, ranging from national and international titles.   

In June Loukas will dive in trials to qualify for the 2012 summer Olympics in London.

Loukas’ sports bra and other athletes’ sports bra designs can be found online at eBay.com/charity.

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