Rotary Club donates breast prostheses and mastectomy bras to breast cancer survivors

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Breast cancer survivors recovering from surgery will benefit from a donation of breast prostheses and specialised mastectomy bras from the Rotary Club of downtown Kingston, in partnership with Precision Imaging Center, to help restore confidence, improve comfort and preserve dignity beyond treatment. The items were handed over to Jamaica Reach To Recovery at the Jamaica Cancer Society on Wednesday, October 21, providing practical assistance to women who have undergone mastectomies and may face financial challenges accessing products that support their recovery and adjustment to changes in their bodies. Derrick Bernard, president of the Rotary Club of downtown Kingston, said the initiative was inspired by the loss of a friend to breast cancer and his desire to honour her memory by making a meaningful difference in the lives of other women affected by the disease. “This initiative has a deeply personal meaning for me because I lost a friend to breast cancer, and her passing left a lasting impression on me. Her experience prompted me to reflect on how I could turn that loss into something positive by doing something meaningful for other women who are navigating their own breast cancer journeys,” Bernard said. Bernard said the initiative was designed to honour his friend's memory while providing practical assistance to women adjusting to life after breast cancer surgery. He expressed the hope that the donation would help recipients regain confidence, improve their comfort and feel reassured that they are valued and supported throughout their recovery. Breast prostheses and specialised mastectomy bras can help restore body symmetry, improve comfort and allow women to feel more confident in their appearance and clothing following a mastectomy, the surgical removal of one or both breasts. However, the cost of these products can be difficult to manage for women already contending with medical expenses, medication, investigations, transportation and time away from work. Bernard said the donation was meant to bridge that gap and show the importance of addressing survivors' needs beyond their immediate medical care. “Recovery involves much more than just completing treatment after undergoing surgery. Women must also adjust emotionally and physically to changes in their bodies while managing the financial pressures that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. We recognise that specialised products such as these can be expensive, and access should not depend solely on a woman's ability to pay,” he said. The partnership with Precision Imaging Center underscores the value of collaboration between service organisations and private-sector entities in addressing community needs. Bernard said the initiative showed how combining resources and a shared commitment to service can turn concern into meaningful assistance. He also reaffirmed the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston's commitment to humanitarian work, noting that service above self requires identifying needs, taking responsibility and collaborating with others to develop practical solutions. Sandra Samuels, president of Jamaica Reach To Recovery, welcomed the donation, emphasising that women affected by breast cancer require continued support throughout recovery. “Breast cancer affects women physically, emotionally and financially. After a mastectomy, a woman must adjust to changes in her body while often coping with the cost of treatment and other household responsibilities. A breast prosthesis can help restore shape beneath clothing, while a properly sized mastectomy bra provides comfort and support. These items may seem simple, but they can make a significant difference to a woman's confidence and how she feels about herself,” Samuels said. Samuels noted that the cost of breast prostheses and specialised mastectomy bras could place them beyond the reach of some survivors, particularly those already managing medication and other expenses. A woman identifies as a nurturer, caregiver and lover. The traumatic experience of the loss of a breast can be distressing and can impact a woman’s mental health and self-esteem. She said the donation would help ease these financial pressures while reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to helping women regain confidence, preserve their dignity and feel supported by their communities throughout recovery. The volunteer-based, non-profit organisation, which is affiliated with the Jamaica Cancer Society, was established in 1977 by Dr Denise Thwaites following her breast cancer diagnosis. Jamaica Reach To Recovery was founded on the belief that survivors can offer valuable encouragement to women newly facing the disease. Tameka Josephs, breast cancer survivor, thanked the Rotary Club of downtown Kingston, Precision Imaging, Jamaica Reach To Recovery and the Jamaica Cancer Society for their contribution and practical expression of compassion. “Please know that your generosity is deeply appreciated. Your contribution is a practical expression of compassion, and its impact will extend beyond the items being handed over today. It will touch the lives of women who deserve to feel comfortable, supported and confident as they move forward,” she said. “To my fellow survivors, I want to encourage you to be gentle with yourselves. Our journeys are different, and healing does not happen at the same pace for everyone. Some days will be easier than others, but we must remember that our worth is not defined by the parts of our bodies we may have lost or the challenges we have faced,” she said.