A natural extention of Amoena’s work providing comfortable bras and breast forms to women after breast surgeries is supporting those women through educational efforts and charitable work. Over the years, Amoena has made contributions to many national and local breast cancer non-profits, and has given back on every level through volunteerism and support.
We are proud and humbled to be part of the breast cancer support community. Here are some highlights of the many ways Amoena Gives Back:
Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Pin
Our annual pin is one of the hallmarks of our calendar year, typically appearing in September, in time for Breast Cancer Awareness celebrations in October. Amoena commissions professional artists to design the pins each year, and then donates a portion of the net proceeds from each pin sold to local breast cancer support organizations across the country. Some of the groups we have assisted include:
- The Healing Consciousness Foundation - Philadelphia, PA
- CancerCare – New York, NY
- Sisters Network Inc, Atlanta – Atlanta, GA
- SIU School of Medicine Foundation – Springfield, IL
- Breast Cancer Resource Center at Flagstaff Regional Medical Center – Salt Lake City, UT
- The Breast Form Fund -- Northampton, MA
- Anita T. Connor (GETDC) – Elkins Park, PA
- DCH Foundation – Tuscaloosa, AL
...and many other local organizations.
Young Survival Coalition
Our partnership with the Young Survival Coalition began in 2008 and has expanded since then. In 2009 and 2010, Amoena USA served as lead sponsor for the YSC Atlanta Tour de Pink, the area’s only bike ride for breast cancer. Beyond exhibiting and public relations support as a sponsor, Amoena employees raised money individually and raced for the cause.
In 2011, we added more localized Fit Events with YSC members, like our Girls’ Night In held at the luxurious W Atlanta Midtown. The evening was a huge success; many younger survivors who have opted for reconstructive surgeries are not aware that they are eligible for Amoena products like partial symmetry shapers, adhesive nipples and comfortable bras and camisoles.
We’ve also begun supporting the East and West coast 3-day Tour de Pink rides for YSC, and are eager for our partnership to continue to grow.
Praise Is the Cure Weekend
In October of 2009, Amoena partnered with the Anita T. Connor story to sponsor the 4th Annual Praise is the Cure weekend in Philadelphia. We were thrilled to reach thousands of African-American women, and perhaps open their eyes to Amoena's available products and services for life after breast cancer. Our tawny breast forms, symmetry shapers, swimwear and intimate apparel can give women the gift of self-confidence as they journey back to wellness. The survivors we met truly touched our hearts with their courageous stories of hope and healing. Our YouTube video of that event has been viewed more than 1,600 times so far, and we returned in 2010:
(click here to watch video)
Merchandise Givebacks
Periodically, we support organizations with like-minded visions by donating a portion of proceeds from the sale of a particular product or collection. We have worked with such groups as the All4One Alliance and the Luminous Breast Cancer Foundation in this way.
Educational Efforts
Among many educational endeavors, Amoena publishes a twice-yearly magazine, Amoena Life, as well as TheBreastCareSite.com. Both tap into a wide variety of breast care topics, including lifestyle after a breast cancer diagnosis, advice for friends and family members, and the latest cancer research and news. Thousands of women and their loved ones use these resources at home for comfort and knowledge during their breast cancer journeys, and so they are an important part of our outreach effort.
Breast Cancer Thrivers Cruise
For the past 5 years, Amoena and TheBreastCareSite.com have proudly sponsored the Annual Breast Cancer Thrivers Cruise, offered by Breast Cancer Wellness magazine. Besides hosting contests and sending various lucky winners on the cruise over the years, our presence on-board has meant better information for hundreds of women living with and beyond breast cancer. More important, it has created lasting friendships. In 2011 we provided free bra and breast form fittings during the 10-day cruise, led island excursions and sponsored events like the on-board art therapy workshop and Pink Party.
Worldwide, Earth-Friendly Assistance
Occasionally, we are able to help two causes at once, by donating used or surplus breast forms to support organizations in developing countries. Obviously this is a service to women facing breast cancer in these countries, but it also aligns with Amoena’s commitment to respect the environment by using surplus materials that might otherwise be thrown away. One such effort recently benefitted the women of the Breakthrough Cancer Trust (BCT) in Zambia.
Sharing and Caring
Amoena is committed to serving others in many ways and we encourage our audiences to do the same. Find organizations that you believe in, and share if you can by volunteering or donating.