Posting bra colors on Facebook was a salute to survivors

Regarding the "why?" question posed by your Jan. 9 Style story on the viral Facebook sharing of bra colors ["What color is your . . . what??!!"]:

At 64, I can't say there's been great interest in my undergarments lately, but like others, I readily 'fessed up in the name of breast cancer awareness. Of course I don't believe revealing this information will advance science or bring about some sea change in detection, but, like many thousands of women, I did it anyway. I think the majority of us simply wanted to acknowledge that breast cancer is part of our shared story; one would be hard pressed to find many women whose lives have not been changed by it, either through our own battles or the loss of someone we love.

Last year, at the bedside of my dear friend Linda as her disease began its final march, I was steeped in memories of caring for my mother during her long and fatal breast cancer battle. That same week, my daughter Kathleen received a breast cancer diagnosis. Like others who posted their bra colors, I'm invested in the more practical activities that may bring meaningful hope. But I found this small, virtual salute and embrace among the sisterhood to be both energizing and comforting. We are saying to each other: "I know. We are together. I've got your back. And your front. Maybe even your life."

Ecru, as I write this.

Johanna Turner, Washington