September 07, 2017 – “No more icky ole bras,” is how
Georgia Hanna, of Brunswick, sums up the selection of mastectomy bras
at Southeast Georgia Health System Ribbon of Hope, a health care specialty
boutique. Pointing out a black lacey bra that caught her eye, the 19-year
breast cancer survivor is excited for the upcoming Fall Fit Event being
presented in partnership with American Breast Care® (ABC), Wednesday,
Sept. 20-Friday, Sept. 22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.
The free event will feature door prizes, refreshments and a chance to win
a two-day getaway, as well as an opportunity for attendees to see the
newest bras, prosthesis forms and other post-surgical products and apparel
designed to help them feel fabulous inside and out. Libby Braswell, ABC
breast care specialist, will be available on Wednesday, Sept. 21, to provide
free fittings and consultations, while Stephanie Shuman, certified mastectomy
fitter at Ribbon of Hope will be available all three days. To schedule
a personalized fitting during the Fall Fit Event, call Ribbon of Hope
at 912-264-3939.
“The Fall Fit Event is a great time to be properly fitted for the
latest bra styles and other apparel. Even if you have been fitted before,
over time your body changes, and it’s important that your prosthesis
is the correct size, shape and weight,” explains Shuman. “The
wrong fit can cause unbalance and discomfort in your shoulder and back.
Fittings are always free, and most insurances, including Medicare, will
typically cover the cost of up to six bras per year with a physician referral.”
Maxine Worley of Waycross and Brendia Smalls of Brunswick agree that Ribbon
of Hope offers just that — hope. A 12-year breast cancer survivor,
Smalls says the boutique is such a blessing, while Worley, an 18-year
survivor, feels it is important to help make more women aware of the products
and services the boutique offers, noting, “Fit is so important,
and everyone’s situation is different. Stephanie took the time to
help me understand what I needed and help me feel like ‘me’
again.”
Not all Ribbon of Hope customers are post-surgical patients. “Several
of the ladies that shop at Ribbon of Hope come here because they can’t
find the correct bra size and shape to fit them at their local department
store. We carry odd sizes and can also customize fit to help minimize
or enhance a woman’s size depending on what makes her feel most
comfortable and confident.”
Ribbon of Hope is located at 3025 Shrine Rd. in the Medical Plaza across
the street from the Health System’s Brunswick Campus. For more information
and to schedule an appointment, call 912-264-3939, or visit online at
sghs.org/ROH.