The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition-Sept/Oct/Nov 2019

theconnectionsnj.com The Latest Back To School Fashion Trends Contact Lenses Full Service Lab on Site Independent Doctor of Optometry on Premise Hours: Tues, Wed & Fri 9-6pm • Thurs 9-8pm • Sat 9-5pm Gerald A.York OPTICIAN Gerald A.York OPTICIAN $75 Off on any frame with single vision lenses (Maui Jim and Oakley Brands excluded) $100 Off on any frame with progressive lenses (Maui Jim and Oakley Brands excluded) Gerald A.York OPTICIAN 21 South Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908-766-0939 www.yorkopticians.com Barb’s story began in 2011 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hoping to be immediately recon- structed after having the mastecto- my, she only told a few close friends. Due to complications, the hope for reconstruction did not happen. Barb was now faced with the choice of what to do to appear “normal.” While exploring options for pros- theses, Barb's doctor commented that some women were not satisfied with many of the traditional pros- thetics. They could be hot, heavy and uncomfortable against tender skin. When Barb asked what she should do, he asked if she knit. When she said yes, he showed her a photo of a “knitted knocker” and gave her a link where the pattern could be found. At the time Barb wasn’t in any con- dition to make one of these knock- ers herself, so she contacted a dear friend, asking for a favor. Her friend and super knitter, Phyllis, quickly agreed. Phyllis delivered Barb’s first knock- ers the following Sunday, while attending church. Barb hurried to the bathroom as soon as she received them and, abandoning the sock in her bra, she replaced it with the soft, lightweight, huggable, hand-knit substitute. She knew immediately that these beautiful “Knitted Knockers” need- ed to be made available, for free, to women who need them, worldwide. Knitted knockers are soft, comfort- able knitted prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. These prosthetics weigh only 2 ounces compared to the 2 plus pounds of a regular prosthetic. Most importantly, the Knitted Knockers are FREE. Donations are used to supply yarn to our knitters. The Auxiliary of the JFK Medical Center Foundation along with its volunteer knitters and supporters can make a soft, light weight pros- thesis for you after your surgery. All we need is your cup size and the color you would prefer. We also have AQUA knockers for swim- ming. These are made of an acrylic yarn so they dry quicker. These prosthetics can be worn with any regular bra, sports bra, and mas- tectomy bra or post op camisole. We provide information and care instructions as well. Lenore Grubman RN, an 8 year breast cancer survivor, is the state supplier for this program on behalf of the Auxiliary of the JFK Medical Center Foundation. She has given 1,100 Knitted Knockers to recipients including South Africa, Columbia, SA, Jamaica and New Jersey. To con- tact Lenore for assistance please call the Auxiliary office at 732-321-7085. KNITTED KNOCKERS PAGE 62 Health & Wellness