Breast Cushions for cancer survivors
Zonta is an international organisation that empowers women and children through service and advocacy. We have projects locally and internationally. As part of out goal to advance the status of women, women’s health and wellbeing is very important to us. Our awesome project would assist local women (and men) recovering from breast cancer by providing breast cushions to them. These cushions are used post operative to ease pain of incisions, protect from seatbelt chafing and distribute pressure across the chest, support allowing incisions to heal and muscles to adjust to the change, used as a comfort cushion during chemo, and can be used as a chest splint when coughing to decrease discomfort. They provide a buffer in the underarm area to assist sleeping at night.
They are distributed through the Andrew Love Cancer Centre at Barwon Health with approximately 25 breast cushions delivered each month. These cushions are then shared with St John of God Hospital when required.
The breast cushions are given free of charge and are made by members of the club and volunteer helpers, including pre COVID, girls from a local high school. The Zonta Club of Geelong fundraises for materials to make these cushion and feedback from recipients is that the cushions provide great comfort and support in their recovery from surgery.