That's Health: breast cancer

Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts

Thursday, 9 November 2023

Inaugural Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards Celebrates Resilience and Strength

A Mother moved by inspiring life stories of women like her affected by breast cancer has devised a way to commend their courage and spirit.

Sarah Pickles organised the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards to shine a light on the resilience of those diagnosed with the most common cancer for women and those who support them.

And the first edition was such a resounding success that she plans to do it all over again next year.

“I’m so grateful to everybody who helped make my dream a reality,” she said.

"I have carried the vision for these awards in my heart, and it was a magical moment watching it come to life.

“It was a night where the achievements and dedication of these extraordinary individuals took centre stage, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended.”

Sarah, who lives near Middlewich, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2014 at the age of 32.

Her own journey through diagnosis, double mastectomy, and reconstruction allowed her to connect with individuals who had faced similar challenges.

From those conversations she conceived an idea that would become the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards.

The inaugural ceremony took place at the spectacular Vale Royal Abbey in Whitegate, Northwich, and was hosted by Radio Northwich presenter Kim Smith.

A highlight was the presentation to finalists of a special gift - a butterfly in a box donated by Butterflies for Occasions.

This symbolic gesture represented hope and signified the journey these individuals had embarked on.

The intention is for each butterfly to be released at home as a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal.

Proceeds from the ceremony, which raised £6,000 on the night and will increase by a further £2,500 received for auction prizes, are to be channelled to Simply The Breast, a fundraising initiative Kim started following her own diagnosis with breast cancer and is dedicated to supporting the Mid-Cheshire Hospitals Charity.

Sarah went on to say: “This remarkable gathering was not just about recognition; it was also a fundraiser for a noble cause.

“The ceremony became a testament to the strength and beauty of the countless individuals fluttering like butterflies in the breast cancer community, each making a remarkable impact.”

The 2024 Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards are already in the works and are scheduled to take place on Friday, September 20, again at Vale Royal Abbey.

For more information about the event, ticket sales, and details on how to nominate someone, visit www.sarahepickles.uk

Award Winners and Finalists 2023:

Inspirational Empowerment Award

Tuesday, 24 October 2023

M&S refreshes its post-surgery bra range in consultation with Breast Cancer Now and people affected by breast cancer

Kaz Foncette, a fashion and lifestyle influencer and two times breast cancer survivor models pieces from the new post-surgery collection. Kaz is a London-born Turkish Cypriot who, at 31, was diagnosed with primary breast cancer.

Kaz was diagnosed a second time with a local reoccurrence in 2019, at the age of 33. She has a mastectomy and DIEP flat reconstruction using her tummy fat and skin. Kaz is now in remission and reclaiming her confidence through fashion and storytelling, and supporting others through her charity and platform.

New range includes a first of its kind clip-on pocket which can be adapted to fit any bra

Breast Cancer Now played an integral part in the design process of the new range – enlisting a panel of people affected by breast cancer to test, trial and share feedback on the products

M&S has more than 2,000 expert Bra Fitters who are trained in post-surgery fitting

Coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October Marks & Spencer is launching a refreshed post-surgery bra range in consultation with its long-term charity partner Breast Cancer Now – the leading breast cancer research & support charity.

M&S first introduced a post-surgery bras more than two decades ago which has grown to a collection of 24 products comprising full-cup shapes, non-wired styles, including camis and – for the first time – Post Surgery Pockets.

The Post Surgery Pockets (£10 for a pack of two) are designed for use with any bra simply by attaching the pocket to the strap using a popper fastening and gives customers the choice to wear with their own prothesis or M&S’ soft breast forms.

M&S has more than 2,000 Bra Fit experts who are trained in post-surgery fitting and understand the wide range of different needs depending on the treatment and recovery stage of the customer.

In collaboration with Breast Cancer Now and M&S colleagues

M&S has worked in partnership with Breast Cancer Now (via its heritage charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer) since 2001, and in that time, has raised £34 million to fund breast cancer research and life changing support.

For the updated post-surgery range, Breast Cancer Now enlisted a panel of people affected by breast cancer and clinical nurse specialists to consult on the design and development of the latest collection which resulted in the identification of new styles, more colour choices, modernised silhouettes, fabric innovations and greater versatility.

As well as working with Breast Cancer Now, M&S gathered feedback from its expert Bra Fitter and Customer Service colleagues, which included inviting 25 colleagues to be part of a ‘voice of the colleague roundtable.’

Earlier this year, M&S and Breast Cancer Now came together to raise vital awareness of signs and symptoms of breast cancer by including guidance in more than 2,000 M&S fitting rooms.

Laura Charles, M&S Lingerie Director, comments; “Since we first introduced post-surgery bras more than twenty years ago, we have been continually evolving and innovating to ensure our range stays relevant to the needs of our post-surgery customers.

“We know that no two post-surgery journeys are the same which is why it was so important for us to work with our long-term partners, Breast Cancer Now – and our experts Bra Fitters - on the design and development of our latest offering. The feedback we received was so helpful in ensuring each product in the range met the needs of all different types of post-surgery customers.

“We know the post-surgery journey is incredibly emotional and highly personal, but we hope knowing that this refreshed range has been created with the help of those closest to this journey provides customers with comfort and reassurance that our post-surgery range is inclusive, thoughtful and designed with them in mind. We can’t wait to hear their feedback as we continue to develop our future ranges.”

Rachael Franklin, Director of Fundraising, Communications, and Engagement, says: “Through our long-standing relationship with M&S we’ve played a part in the development of many of their post-surgery ranges, and we’re excited to be partnering with them once again, contributing the expertise of women affected by breast cancer and our nurses to the development of their most innovative range to date.

“For many women, breast cancer treatment can affect their self-esteem and they may feel unsure and overwhelmed about choosing post-surgery lingerie. By drawing on the direct experiences of women affected by the disease, M&S is helping to ensure people facing a breast cancer diagnosis can find lingerie that feels right for them and will ultimately help them to feel more comfortable after treatment.

“Thank you to all of the women who have shared their story to help develop this range, and to all M&S colleagues and customers for their unwavering support of Breast Cancer Now’s work.”

The refreshed post-surgery range

The new line up incorporates best-selling customer favourites, such as the Cami and Body Soft™ Bra as well as five new styles which were informed by the Breast Cancer Now focus group.

The FlexiFit™ Lace Non-Wired Bra is made with 360-degree stretch lace that moves in every direction for extra comfort and freedom of movement. Like all M&S’ post-surgery bras, is available with an inner discreet and breathable cotton pocket to hold a prosthetic.

The supportive Recovery Bra is designed for use directly following surgery and features easy-front fastening with supersoft Velcro and adjustable straps at the front and back so the individual can tailor to their exact needs.

https://www.marksandspencer.com