Heels turn heads for a good cause

Ryan James couldn't wait Friday to take off his stiletto high heels.
"Would I wear these again?" he asked. "Never. No."
That was after running -- some would say wobbling -- halfway across the Washington Street Bridge, now decorated with bras. Spectators cheered and laughed as James, the only man of 10 runners, staggered down the bridge.
But it was for a good cause, the Binghamton man said. The event was sponsored by the YWCA/ENCORE breast cancer outreach program, to promote breast cancer awareness this month.
The community outreach program, based at the YWCA in Binghamton, helps women get breast and cervical cancer screenings, organizers said.
About 30 bras were hung along one side of the downtown walking bridge. They'll hang there for the next month, said Crystal Lown, program coordinator at ENCOREplus.
"It's a reminder for women to get screened," Lown said. "We're trying to get the word out. Early detection is the best protection."
This is the first time the advocacy group has sponsored a stiletto race, she said.
James said he ran for his girlfriend, Ticia Eaves.
Eaves has had five breast surgeries, related to breast health issues, she said. None of them were related to cancer.
Besides the high heels, James wore a pink T-shirt sporting the logo: "Real Men Wear Pink."
And while James said he didn't want to ever slip on a pair of high heels again, he said the race was exhilarating for him.
As for Eaves, she discovered something new about James. The two went shopping for race shoes together, finally settling on a black pair of women's size 11 high heels for James.
"I found out he's partial to peep toes," she said.