My Hope Chest, a Florida-based non-profit, introduced the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Ribbon, the first ribbon to support uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors. This new ribbon speaks to the restoration, transformation, and the completion from the cancer journey that many survivors seek through reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. For those who desire, breast reconstruction provides closure and a new wholeness allowing a woman to put the disease behind her at last. “The traditional ‘pink ribbon’ has branded breast cancer ‘awareness, education, and research’ but overlooks a huge population of underserved survivors that live with scars and a constant reminder of the disease,” says Alisa Savoretti, founder of My Hope Chest. “There are hundreds of breast cancer groups in America focused on prevention and finding a cure, while the need for breast reconstruction has flown under the radar of the ‘pink ribbon.’”
The colors in the breast reconstruction ribbon transition and transform, just like the survivors My Hope Chest helps to become whole again. The ribbon goes from pink--the original breast cancer color, to white--known as the “light” or the power of healing. The white blends to yellow, the color of hope, sunshine, and new beginnings. The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Ribbon symbolizes transformation and closure from the disease. My Hope Chest hopes this new symbol will help others recognize this need and shine the light on this epidemic for thousands who have sacrificed a piece of themselves to save their life.