My Hope Chest Debuts 1st Official Breast Reconstruction Ribbon

SEMINOLE, FL--(Marketwired - Aug 20, 2013) - My Hope Chest, the only non-profit organization in the nation that offers assistance in obtaining breast reconstruction surgery for the uninsured and underinsured, is unveiling the first official Breast Reconstruction Awareness Ribbon to the public on October 14, 2013.

In preparation for October and the 2nd annual "Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day" endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, My Hope Chest will debut this original awareness ribbon as a means to spotlight issues of uninsured and under insured breast cancer survivors.

"The colors of this unique breast reconstruction ribbon transition and transform, just like survivors," said My Hope Chest Founder Alisa Savoretti.

The official Breast Reconstruction Awareness ribbon turns from pink, the original color of breast cancer, to white known as the "light" or the power of healing. The white then blends into yellow -- the color of hope, sunshine and new beginnings.

It is no secret that pink ribbons have been associated with breast cancer awareness, education and research for decades. However, the pink ribbon has overlooked the anguish of many who have undergone mastectomies with no sight of breast reconstruction due to lack of health insurance or financial means. In 2010, it is estimated that more than 22,000 uninsured patients had undergone lifesaving mastectomy procedures with many left maimed and disfigured.

 "There is a huge population of underserved breast cancer survivors living with physical and emotional scars that are a constant reminder of the disease," said Savoretti. "As a result, they are unable to heal completely and move past their cancer journey."

Despite the support that hundreds of breast cancer organizations offer to survivors around the country, there is a lack of advocacy and funding for those who are left without reconstruction surgery as an option.

"I feel that too many organizations focus on the moot point of 'awareness' and not enough on the men and women surviving the disease everyday still unable to attain this final step of treatment and closure they seek," said Savoretti.

For more information on My Hope Chest, call (727) 488-0320 or visit their website at http://www.myhopechest.org