Hamilton store donates camisoles to breast cancer survivors
October 2, 2012 by admin
Filed under Latest Lingerie News
Sue Teschke, owner and founder of Mastectomy Lingerie and More, will donate 100 post-surgical camisoles to local women undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October.
Teschke is partnering with the charity Breast Cancer Support Services which is based in downtown Burlington. The non-profit organization will give gift certificates for the camisoles to be redeemed at Mastectomy Lingerie in their free ‘comfort kits’ for breast cancer patients.
The post-op kits include a number of items designed to make the transition from treatment to healing more comfortable and are available at participating surgeon’s offices in Hamilton and Burlington. They’re also available at Teschke’s Upper Wellington Street store.
Teschke has an intimate understanding of the needs of the women she serves at Mastectomy Lingerie and More, which she opened in 2011.
A breast cancer survivor, in 2007 Teschke underwent a mastectomy of her right breast. And when skin is sensitive and sore, post-surgical camisoles come in handy, said Teschke.
“The seams are all on the outside so they don’t irritate the stitches,” said Teschke. “They’re comfortable. You can step into them, which is good because your arms are a little sore after surgery. And there’s a soft puff [in the bra shelf] that gives you shape and balance.”
It was the soft puff that meant the most to Teschke.
“For me, the puff was the biggest thing because you can’t wear a bra or anything after surgery. The feeling of having something there instead of this hole in your side,” she said, trailing off.
The garments, which can cost between $66 and $70, are also equipped with detachable drain pouches to aid healing.
Nicky Youseman, 50, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and had a partial-mastectomy in July, said buying a post-op camisole was the “best thing I ever did. They’re so comfortable.”
Youseman found out about Teschke’s donation during a recent visit to Breast Cancer Support Services where she dropped off her own donation. Youseman recently raised $80 by letting people rub her bald head at a loonie a rub.
Youseman, who bought her camisole at Mastectomy Lingerie, is impressed by the generosity of Teschke and the Breast Cancer Support Services, which also offers free wigs and breast prostheses to women in need.
“I’m fortunate enough to be employed by a large company that offers benefits,” she said. “But not everyone is so lucky. I was very touched by the fact that they help women who can’t afford them,” she said.
“One of the things we’ve identified is how important post-surgery camisoles are,” said Blair Lancaster, executive director of Breast Cancer Support Services, noting that the camisoles aren’t covered by all health care plans and therefore represent an out-of-pocket expense for many women.
The economic hardships of women dealing with cancer can’t be underestimated, Lancaster said. Many women may already be struggling financially due to the costs associated with their illness and even an inability to work.
In addition to her camisole donation, Teschke recently awarded $2,000 to Chemo Savvy, the winning team of the 2012 Breast Cancer Survivor’s Dragon Boat race. She’s also offering people the chance to win a trip for two to Maui, Hawaii. The contest is open to anyone, though next year Teschke said it may be offered only to breast cancer survivors.
Breast Cancer Support Services’ annual fundraiser/silent auction The Event takes place Oct. 10 at the Burlington Convention Centre. For tickets and more information, call 905-634-2333 or visit Breast Cancer Support Services for ticket information.
