YWCA advocates for women's health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Elmira YWCA is helping woman stay healthy and overcome personal obstacles. The "Y" hosted a women's wellness fair Tuesday as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our Kaitlyn Lionti tells us more about their efforts and a special way they support those who have undergone breast cancer surgery.
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ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira YWCA honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a Wellness Fair all about women, to encourage healthy habits in every aspect of life.
"If we're more healthy overall, our risks for breast cancer will go down, because our number one risk for getting breast cancer is being a women," Jan Stillman, YWCA Breast Health Program Coordinator and RN.
A main focus of the event was the importance of healthcare screenings, and knowing your body.
"We know there is a possibility that someday research will find a way to prevent breast cancer, but right now early detection is the main key," said Deb Dininny, Arnot Breast Health Specialist.
The YWCA doesn't just advocate for women's health, it also offers special support. Behind me is the Pink Boutique, which offers a unique resource for women who have undergone breast cancer surgery.
“I was diagnosed at 29, and went through chemo and radiation, and had a mastectomy obviously, and I shop here at the Pink Boutique," said Jamie Gold, a Mastectomy Patient.
The boutique carries prostheses, bras, swimwear and other items to help women like Gold as they go through this difficult experience.
"Women need to be aware that just because they've lost a breast, they do not have to lose their femininity and they can be a whole woman again," said Stillman, and she says that's the goal of the boutique: to help woman have a normal shopping experience and walk away feeling more like themselves.
"The fitting room itself is very nice, you feel at home, you can be yourself and not have to worry about the deformity," said Gold.
The boutique is open during regular YWCA hours and women can arrange for a personal fitting before they shop.
Most health insurance providers cover prostheses and bras for cancer survivors, and for those who don't have coverage or can't afford the items, the YWCA tries to help women find other money to cover the cost.