Donation Program
Our donation program began in 2000 when we became aware of the need for post-mastectomy items in developing countries. Women diagnosed with breast cancer must often travel to have their mastectomy surgery in a larger city and then return home without aftercare or post-mastectomy products, leaving them with no solution to a flat chest on either one or both sides of their body. We began collecting gently-used breast prostheses and mastectomy bras to send overseas.
Our donations come to us as women change size, the warranty on a product is over and it is time for a replacement, medical needs or personal tastes change, reconstruction has occurred, or if a loved one who wore a breast prosthesis has passed away and the items are donated in their memory.
The post-mastectomy products available in North America are unheard of in small towns and villages in Africa and other developing nations. Without you, these products would not be available to the women there. This is the reason why we donate overseas. Locally we are lucky to have access to these items, not to mention healthcare or private insurance, government assistance, and even charitable funding for those in financial need following breast cancer. Access to these items abroad is very limited and often finances are limited too.
Since 2001 we have sent donations to hospitals, community organizations, and support groups in: Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Nairobi, Nigeria, Ghana, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
All organizations that we have sent to have been vetted to ensure that the needs are real and that the items are being received by women in need. We also ask that pictures be sent to us upon arrival so that we can share with you the difference that your donations make. Most of the groups we send to also provide their community with educational and emotional services, breaking down the stigma and myths of a breast cancer diagnosis.
The items you can donate to us are: gently used post-mastectomy bras, breast prostheses, post-surgical camisoles, wigs in good condition, head scarves, or compression and lymphedema products.
To those of you who have donated to us already:
Thank you so much for your generosity! Your donations have gone directly to the women who are in need. Your contribution has changed the way another woman sees herself, feels about herself, and her overall outlook on life after cancer. You have given a gift of hope that only someone who has been through the same experience can give. Thank you!
For further questions or information on instructions to send donations to us, email us at info@diannesmastectomy.com.
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