BERLEI SUPPORTS BCNA
S ince 2004, Berlei and BCNA have been proud partners with a vision to help every person feel supported and secure. This shared goal resulted in the My Care Kit, which contains a Berlei Post-Surgery Bra. Berlei pack and distribute these kits from their warehouse in Truganina, Melbourne, with support from volunteers. Recently, orders for the My Care Kit surpassed 200,000. Berlei Marketing Manager Caroline Prior reflected, ‘We are incredibly proud of our My Care Kit partnership program
with BCNA. The program has been operating nearly 15 years and recently reached the incredible milestone of 200,000 kits donated to those who’ve undergone breast cancer surgery. We wish to thank our staff and volunteers who thoughtfully prepare these kits; with each kit helping to support people during their breast cancer journey.’ We spoke to breast care nurse Barb Cummins, from Geelong, and Maree Clifford and Christine McKinnon who volunteer to pack My Care Kits, to find out about their involvement in the program and what it means to them. How important is the Berlei post- surgery bra in the first few weeks following surgery? Barb: It’s vital. The bra assists during healing and helps to decrease the risk of possible complications, like seromas. Most of my patients wear the bra for 3-4 weeks and I encourage them to wear it again if they are undergoing radiotherapy. What feedback do you get about the My Care Kit? Barb: I get a lot of positive feedback. My patients find the bra supportive and adjustable. The material is soft and doesn’t cause discomfort. The introduction of the larger sizes has been great too. It means we can offer the next size up if required, and ensures they are comfortable. What does it mean to you to be able to offer someone a My Care Kit? Barb: It’s being able to provide access to important breast cancer information along with the post-surgery bra, which promotes recovery. Also, some assistance financially, being one less thing they need to purchase. My goal for my patients leaving hospital post-mastectomy is to be able to walk
out the door physically looking like how they walked in. They can get dressed in the morning and look in the mirror and feel more confident. What attracted you to volunteer? Christine: I think it was just meant to be. BCNA were looking for someone at the same time I was looking for an opportunity following retirement. Maree: My friend, Wendy, was volunteering at the time and loved it. I then brought my friend, Heather, on board. How do the team at Berlei support you? Christine: There’s always someone in the team willing to help. Everyone is friendly and often I just walk around the corner from where we pack if I have any
Barb
questions or to have a chat. Maree: It’s a team effort, a real partnership. So many parts of the
warehouse are involved, and we couldn’t do it without the support of the Hanes warehouse staff. What does it mean to you to pack My Care Kits? Christine: I just want to help other people. When you’ve been through it yourself you know what it’s like and understand how helpful it can be to know that someone is looking out for you. Maree: I’m conscious when putting together packs that this can be people’s connection to know they aren’t doing this on their own. When I tell people about my volunteer role, some of them say, ‘oh wow, did you send my kit?’ They love receiving it. The bra is a temporary fix but it’s much bigger than just that. It’s the link to BCNA and knowing they are being supported. The My Care Kit can be ordered by your breast care nurse or phone our Helpline on 1800 500 258 for more information.
Maree
Christine
Pink bra campaign This October, Berlei will once again show their support for BCNA through the Pink Bra Collection. For every product
in their Pink Bra Collection sold, $10 will be donated to BCNA. To find out more visit berlei.com.au .
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October 2023 | Issue 96
Breast Cancer Network Australia
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