Following a breast cancer diagnosis resulting in a mastectomy in December 2017, James Dunlop employee Susan Rivett was gifted a small cushion to ease the discomfort and help her sleep
Journal
Booby cushions
Booby cushions
Booby Cushions by Susan Rivett
A mastectomy is a significant surgical operation which leaves patients with physical changes and pain to manage during their recovery. Following the removal of the breast tissue and surrounding lymph nodes, reduced ability to sleep or move your arms in anyway can be painful.
The small cushion that Susan was gifted became her best friend, it made such a difference during long nights with aching pain and no sleep. The cushion was simply popped under her arm, giving Susan much needed relief while watching television or going out – it was easy.
When her elderly aunt was diagnosed only six months later, Susan knew what to send her. The feedback her Aunty gave was amazing – having her best sleep since surgery upon receiving the cushion. This was Susan’s lightbulb moment and the idea to produce Booby Cushions for breast cancer surgery patients was born.
Her goal was to make these available to women in Auckland. "Who has time on their hands to help?" she thought. This lead to a discussion with the team at Auckland’s Department of Corrections to see if the female inmates could help. They responded with a resounding yes, and with a sewing room available and keen volunteers at hand, Susan’s workroom got into action.
Susan works at James Dunlop Textiles, and received donations of deleted ranges and old samples that were no longer required to construct the cushions. Filled with foam and made of quality and stylish fabrics, Booby Cushions is growing daily. A recent television feature led to enquires from other types of patients, including people undergoing transgender transitions (after masculinisation surgery) and those that have had heart surgery. Expanding beyond Auckland, Susan now supplies patients across New Zealand and Australia.
INMATES constructing booby CUSHIONS
Another positive aspect to her business is the confidence building of her seamstresses, the inmates, who are retraining and upskilling in areas like teamwork, communication, and project management whilst giving back to the community.
With the help of a sponsor Susan would like to offer the Booby Cushions free of charge, however, she currently asks for a donation to help with running costs and postage bags. If you would like to donate to Booby Cushions and assist in moving the non-profit business forward visit www.boobycushions.nz
May is breast cancer awareness month, so we went pink for the day and hosted our first ever Pink Ribbon lunch to support the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
