Barb’s story began in 2011 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hoping to be immediately reconstructed after having the mastectomy, 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 prostheses, Barb’s doctor commented that some women were not satisfied with many of the traditional prosthetics. 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 condition to make one of these knockers herself, so she contacted a dear friend, asking for a favor. Her friend and super knitter, Phyllis, quickly agreed.
Phyllis delivered Barb’s first knockers 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” needed to be made available, for free, to women who need them, worldwide.
Knitted knockers are soft, comfortable 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, lightweight prosthesis for you after your surgery.
All we need is your cup size and the color you would prefer. We also have AQUA knockers for swimming. These are made of acrylic yarn so they dry quicker. These prosthetics can be worn with any regular bra, sports bra, and mastectomy bra, or post-op camisole. We provide information and care instructions as well.
Lenore Grubman RN, a 9-year breast cancer survivor, is the coordinator for this program on behalf of the Auxiliary of the JFK Medical Center Foundation. To date, they have provided 2000 “Knitted Knockers” to women and clinics worldwide! To contact Lenore for assistance or to make a donation, please call the Auxiliary office at (732) 321-7085.