It’s an unfortunate reality, but as many as 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. To conquer the disease, many women often opt for a mastectomy , which involves removing part of or the whole breast. Having this surgery done and not opting to reconstruct is often very difficult for women, as many feel self-conscious after losing something so tied to themselves aesthetically.
While there are options that don’t involve invasive reconstruction, such as fake breasts (or “chicken cutlets” as my mother calls them), these are often heavy and get hot and uncomfortable.
One organization is helping mastectomy ladies out with ‘knitted knockers.’
It was started by Barbara Demorest , pictured here in the middle.
While dealing with the aftermath of her mastectomy surgery herself, her doctor suggested she knit a softer and more comfortable breast, if she had the skills. While she did, she was not mentally or emotionally prepared yet to do so, so she got her great friend Phyllis to assist.
Upon receiving the pair, she immediately fell in love and wanted to provide the same sense of happiness, relief, and comfort to other women like her.
So, she started Knitted Knockers, an organization of many volunteer knitters and crocheters who knit fake breasts for women all over the world for FREE.
What started as a local initiative has quickly grown into a global project.
The knitted breasts also come in so many fun colors so women can get excited about their breasts again!
They’re also knit in various sizes, so those with a single mastectomy won’t have to worry about lopsidedness.
If you know how to knit or crochet, you can purchase the template and give the pattern a try yourself!
You can then send them back to the organization so they can be used for ladies in need.
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We can’t say enough great things about this initiative! It’s just wonderful.
Check out the website to find out how to request your own!