Breast Prosthesis and Mastectomy Bras for Ghana

The idea for this project developed some years ago whilst working as a Breast Care Nurse Specialist.

I had encountered many ladies in my professional practice that had additional items i.e breast prosthesis and bras/swimwear that they were not utilising due to breast reconstruction,size change,warranty on a product is over,time for a replacement and medical needs or personal tastes change.

They had often asked if there was a charity to donate these items to, that were no long required and are quite costly.

After some research into patients experiences in developing countries namely Africa,it was apparent that patients have no access to post Mastectomy products leaving them with no solution but to improvise using Plaster of Paris,cotton wool and padlocks for weight to use to create a "breast".

The importance of having access to a prosthesis post mastectomy cannot be underestimated as it avoids back,shoulder and neck discomfort.

It restores the bodies natural balance and posture hence restoring the patients confidence and dignity.

Post Mastectomy products available in Ireland are unheard of in small towns and villages in Africa as most people struggle to finance their medical care.

Against this background the idea was developed.

I reached out to some of the Breast Care Specialist Fitting companies and Breast Care units in Ireland with the inititiave of collecting used bras/prosthesis and to date we have collected over 200 breast prosthesis and bras for my upcoming trip to Ghana.

The response has been phenomenal and the donations continue to grow and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all the supporters of the project.

I will travel with a local charity Crosscause (Blackrock,Louth) www.crosscause.ie who have been based in Ghana since 2013 and support essential services i.e community projects, childrens orphanages,schools,hospitals,eye clinics and numerous ongoing projects.

We will travel to hospitals/Oncology units/villages/Community projects and I will offer specialised breast prosthesis/bra fitting service to patients who have had Breast Cancer Surgery.

The trip will also be a fact finding exercise in order to assess what exact needs are required for these patients going forward for forthcoming trips.

I have collaborated with surgeons and oncology nurses in Ghana prior to the trip so we have established clinics set up in advance so patients are aware of the contribution we are offering.

I am self funding this trip and would appreciate any donations to assist me with the costs of the flights,visa application,vaccines,collections of the items and my ongoing work.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this project that is a cause very close to my heart and I look forward to sharing the stories from the trip.