Breast cancer survivors from the Bega Valley Shire will be formally introduced to the Knitted Knockers initiative at their monthly support group this month, and Eden knitter Rachael Bush hopes it will be an opportunity for more to benefit from the loving handiwork.
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"Around 20 ladies normally attend the support group, but we’re hoping for more this time,” Ms Bush said.
Knitted Knockers is an Australia-wide initiative which began in 2013, with a head office in Melbourne. It was inspired by a call for help by countless breast cancer survivors, seeking a softer natural alternative to the traditional plastic prostheses offered after a mastectomy.
Volunteers from the city centres through to the smallest countries towns soon flexed their fingers and began knitting with love, providing 100 per cent cotton prostheses in a range of colours and sizes. The orders began to flood in, but Ms Bush believes there are still many women who are not making the most of this wonderful new service.
“I’ve heard a lot of heartbreaking stories of women using socks and tissues or nothing at all,” Ms Bush said. “Many people have suffered in silence for a long time. Especially elderly women get worried about change or asking for help.”
Jenny Garner is the local McGrath Foundation breast cancer nurse and runs the Bega Valley Pink Link Support Group. She has been working with breast cancer sufferers and survivors for 10 years, and believes the Knitted Knockers initiative is a wonderful breakthrough for mastectomy patients.
“It’s a very altruistic and beneficial initiative,” Ms Garner said. “And there’s also that local contact of someone in community – who is probably unknown – knitting this for another woman, to help her. That’s really nice.”
Ms Garner’s work puts her in contact with breast care nurses Australia wide, many reporting a very positive use of the knitted knockers.
“One of the best things is they stay cool even on hot days, which is a huge plus compared to plastic prostheses,” Ms Garner said. “So it’s an excellent option for our local women.”
Armed with free materials provided by Knitted Knockers HQ, Eden knitter Ms Bush volunteers hours of her time in the knitting of the prostheses. It’s a selfless community-minded spirit she hopes to share with many others...one stitch at a time.
“I’ve had many inquiries from Sydney, Canberra and Nowra, but I want to reach out to our local ladies,” Ms Bush said. “Many women don’t realize there’s an alternative, something better. And we want to change that knowledge. Women don’t need to go without.”
The support group will meet at 7pm on Tuesday October 20 at the Merimbula RSL.
For more information call Jenny Garner on 0409 607 974 or Rachael Bush on 0450 483 610.
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For more information about the Australian Knitted Knockers program, visit the website at www.knittedknockersaustralia.com or search 'Knitted Knockers Australia' on Facebook.