The mastectomy, or total removal of the breast, is an operation whose consequences are often painful. Difficult to accept her new body and her chest, which some consider amputated part of her femininity. Whether they have breast reconstruction or tattoos, patients take time to come to terms with their new appearance.
Dana Donofree, a 28-year-old American breast cancer survivor, fully understands the psychological struggle some women engage in to learn to love their bodies again. Based on this observation, this woman decided to launch a lingerie intended for women going through the ordeal of cancer, at the various stages of the disease.
The designer was inspired by her experience before founding the AnaOno brand. On the eve of blowing her 28th year and two months before her marriage, the young woman learns that she suffers from an invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common invasive breast cancer. It occurs when cancer cells infiltrate the tissue that surrounds the ducts and mammary lobules – which make up the lobes that make up the mammary gland).
Dana Donofree then undergoes a heavy treatment: a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and chemotherapy. A trying experience followed by the inability to find suitable normal bras afterwards. “No store, mall, or website had a bra that fit me,” she recalls. I knew what women like me needed, so I started sketching and researching. stretch materials, beautiful and non-irritating to the skin, ”she explains to Mashable.
A way to support women after the operation
The AnaOno brand was therefore born from the desire to offer an offer to all women in situations similar to hers. The models are feminine and sensual and have nothing to envy to classic bras.
The designer does not stop there in her activism. 5% of the sale of certain models in its collection will be donated to an association which financially supports women treated for their breast cancer.
>> To read also:Breast cancer: after a mastectomy, they pose in monokini
