Barbara Demorest, founder of KnittedKnockers.org, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Due to complications, she was also unable to have the reconstruction surgery she desired after a mastectomy.
She was embarrassed and unsure of how to move forward.
During a doctors visit, Demorest was looking at brochures of usual silicone prosthesis. He informed her that many women actually find them uncomfortable, hot, heavy, and rather expensive. Instead, he suggested she tried a "knitted knocker" if she knew how to knit.
Demorest's doctor gave her a link for a pattern to a 'knocker,' and the rest is history.
After experiencing her hand-made knitted boob for the first time, Demorest knew she wanted to help make them available for other women going through similar situations with breast cancer.
“What if my doctor had real knitted knockers to give to women rather than only having a photocopied picture on a sheet of paper to show them?” Demorest asked herself.
One out of eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 25 percent of those women must undergo a mastectomy. Demorest knew there was an overwhelming amount of women who probably felt the same way as she did.
So, she went to work. She started gathering volunteers and making phone calls to local offices.
"I asked my breast cancer doctor and plastic surgeon if they would hand them out if I could provide them with a regular stock of these Knitted Knockers. They said they absolutely would," Demorest said.
Thanks to a spectacular team of volunteer knitters and Demorest's dedication, they have successfully sent pairs of beautifully knitted knockers to women all over the world.
A nurse once told Demorest, “I sure wish you could be there when we have a woman who is dejected, wondering what they are going to do and we bring out the bag of knockers. They always bring a smile to their face at a difficult time, and sometimes tears.”
These knitted prosthesis aim to offer a simple, caring way to "bring a smile to women at a low point in their life."
Some heroes wear capes. Some, knit knockers.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer knitter, or know someone in need of a "knitted knocker," please visit KnittedKnockers.org.
