Anyone can understand the fear and anguish associated with a breast cancer diagnosis, but surviving the illness also comes with its challenges. Bringing awareness to this issue is the After Breast Cancer charity (ABC) and its 3rd annual Pink Diamond Gala. Held September 27 in Vaughan, the luncheon raised funds benefitting survivors who do not have medical insurance or who cannot have their basic needs met following mastectomy.
"I refuse to see another woman go through her life without a bra or breast prosthesis after breast surgery because she could not afford it," expressed ABC founder and renowned bra fitter, Alicia Vianga. "I do a lot of mastectomy fittings in my boutique and I do see women come in who, even after eight years since having a mastectomy, still have socks in their bra because they can't afford to buy a prosthesis." Vianga identified serious gaps in the health care system after being asked to review the official Bra and Breast Prosthesis Guide for a major Toronto hospital. Offering support at this event was a panel of guest speakers including Sketchers USA Canada Inc. who made a generous monetary donation and presented each of the 12 breast cancer survivors features in the ABC "S/HE Thrives" calendar with a pair of exercise shoes.
Original article by; Panoram Italia, Living Italian Style
