In August 2010, Dallis Parker was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, which had also metastasized to her liver and lungs. As part of her treatment, she underwent a unilateral mastectomy, the removal of one of her breasts.
“I choose joy in my life,” says Parker.
But after having a mastectomy, joy was hard to come by, she says.
For the first two years after the mastectomy, her doctor discouraged breast reconstruction because of the severity of her diagnosis. But after several tests showed no evidence of the disease, her doctor reevaluated Parker’s situation, finding no reason not to have reconstruction.
“I was elated,” says Parker. “I could be restored to a place in my womanhood that had been removed.”
After the reconstruction, Parker began to feel more confident, her worklife and homelife improving as her self-esteem rose.
Parker is just one of many women who receive breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. But many others who want to have reconstruction do not simply because they cannot afford the procedure.
That’s why we do what we do.
The AiRS Foundation is dedicated to not only providing grants for women to receive the reconstructive services they need to feel whole again, but educating healthcare professionals about the importance of the procedure in healing after a mastectomy.
We believe that reconstruction should be available to all women like Parker.
Donate today!
As a nonprofit, we rely on grants and donations to fund our work. That’s why every donation we receive is of the utmost value. If you or someone you know has had breast cancer and, as a result, has had a mastectomy, would you consider donating to the AiRS Foundation? We have a number of donation levels to fit your desired gift!
Consider giving today — every donation counts!
Partner with us!
We also have a number of partners who help patients like Parker receive the reconstructive services they need. Think you might like to partner with us? Contact us today!
