[INTERVIEW] Elizabeth Cluff on the Essential Support for Breast Cancer Survivors this Bra Recycling Month

October is a special time for us as we celebrate our annual Bra Recycling Month, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer survivors and domestic violence survivors.

As someone who has worked closely with this incredible community, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges these brave women and men face. This month, I want to shine a light on the vital role that mastectomy bras and prostheses play in a breast cancer survivor’s recovery journey.

I couldn’t think of a better way to start the month than by interviewing a very special person, Elizabeth Cluff, founder of the Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. Their mission is to provide prompt support and resources to those impacted by breast cancer.

Her journey and dedication to supporting others are truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to share her valuable insights with you.

But first, I want to acknowledge that breast cancer has touched many of us in some way—whether we've been diagnosed ourselves or we have friends, family, or coworkers who have been affected.

Key Breast Cancer Statistics

Source: https://www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics

• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women, after skin cancer.

• Each year, about 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women are breast cancer.

• In 2024, approximately 310,000 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

• Around 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage when it's most treatable.

• More than 4 million women in the U.S. have a history of breast cancer, including those currently in treatment and those who have completed it.

• Less than 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men.

I thought it would be great to kick off October by talking about the support available for breast cancer survivors—and what more is needed. Breast cancer is a journey, and Elizabeth will share more.

You can watch the full interview below or keep reading to learn more about why this month holds significant importance to us.

So, without further ado, welcome, Elizabeth…

Interview with Elizabeth

The Beginning of an Impactful Partnership

Elaine:“How did your partnership with The Bra Recyclers begin?”

Elizabeth: “I started volunteering after my diagnosis in 2012 or 2013—that's when we connected. You were recycling bras and materials, and even gave me prosthetics, mastectomy bras, and a swimsuit. I found local women who needed them, and thought, 'If this helps them, how much more could we do on a larger scale?'

By 2015, we reconnected, and you donated a large number of bras and prosthetics. We started helping underserved communities like the Latina community in Phoenix and others through Arizona Cancer Support.

It wasn’t just about my story—I saw a gap. Many women couldn’t get reconstruction and were left without options. You provided the products, and I put together a team of survivors to distribute them. It all came together so beautifully, and I believe a higher power helped make it happen.”

Elizabeth’s Journey and the Foundations Mission

Elaine: “How has your personal experience influenced Impact One’s mission?”

Elizabeth: “Before I met you, my journey inspired the mission. During treatment, doctors rushed me through surgery, but there was a gap—living without my breasts and trying to feel normal. It wasn’t vanity; I just wanted to be comfortable in clothes.

I remember struggling to find front-closing clothes after lymph node removal and thinking, ‘If this is hard for me, what about women without access to stores?’ That experience motivated me to help others avoid this.

Impact One started from my own struggles. I wanted to provide immediate support so no woman had to go through what I did.”

Finding the Right Post-Surgical Bra

Elaine: “What challenges do women face when searching for the right post-surgical bra or supplies after mastectomies?”

Elizabeth: “The challenges remain, though we’re making progress. We now have navigators helping women through surgeries and potential reconstruction. But not everyone can or wants reconstruction, so there’s still a need for specialized bras.

Brands like Anita and Amoena are great, and newer companies focus on comfort, especially with how sensitive skin is post-surgery.

But access is still a challenge. In metro areas, you might find places like Hope Boutique at Banner MD Anderson, but rural women might only have a dollar store nearby and no idea where to find these products.

We’ve made strides in educating women about recovery wear, but it’s still tough outside major cities. That’s where Impact One comes in, offering immediate support and resources."

Elaine: “Before we met, we got calls from survivors and their daughters saying, ‘We’re stuffing our bras with rags.’ It was heartbreaking. We wanted to help but knew we couldn’t do it all. That’s why partnering with Impact One was so important. It wasn’t just about sending bras; these women needed guidance on how to wear, wash, and care for them.

I also learned a lot from fitting sessions in shelters. It was humbling to work with women who had botched mastectomies. Initially shocking, but we focused on making them comfortable and ensuring they didn’t suffer more.

A properly fitted bra can make all the difference. It helps survivors feel better, look better, and regain their dignity.”

Support Provided During Recovery

Elaine: “What resources do you provide women during their recovery?”

Elizabeth: “These little ‘poofs’ protect the area while they’re not ready for prosthetics. My team consists of women who have faced similar challenges, including those who had to undergo explants due to their bodies rejecting reconstruction. It’s a journey with steps leading to mastectomy bras and prosthetics.”

“We tailor our support based on lived experience, helping women where they are. Some have been healing for a year and are tired of hiding their concave chests under baggy jackets. We can provide bras that fit well, hide loose skin, and accommodate prosthetics, making them feel like they’ve been given a million dollars.”

Connecting with Women in Need

Elaine: “How do you connect with women in need?”

Elizabeth: “We work closely with nurse navigators who contact us when their patients are recovering in the hospital. We aim to ensure that by the time they return home, they have recovery items waiting for them—like front-zip bras that support their backs.”

We also receive referrals from organizations like the American Cancer Society. If someone calls, saying their wife has cancer and their insurance won’t cover a prosthetic, they are directed to us. We conduct an intake application online to assess where they are in their journey, whether it’s pre-surgery, post-surgery, or even five years later.

We don’t put a timeline on recovery; those who had cancer years ago may still be in survivor mode. This is about helping them regain their self-esteem and feel normal in their community.

Top Five Needs of a Breast Cancer Survivor Post-Surgery

Elaine: “So, what would you say are the top five things that a breast cancer survivor needs post-surgery?”

Elizabeth: “The biggest needs are surgical bras and possibly a binder, depending on the surgery. After a double mastectomy with lymph node involvement and drain tubes, women often go home with a surgical bra that connects to the drains.

However, a tank top with pockets for the drain tubes is essential. I hated pinning mine to my shirt because it was visible, and I didn’t know about tanks that could conceal them.

I recommend tanks with drain tube holders, front-zip bras, and sometimes a Velcro binder for support, especially for women with small children.”

Important Items Later in the Journey

Elaine: “What other items are important later in the journey?”

Elizabeth: “Later on, we sometimes provide wigs and lymphedema sleeves. Unfortunately, about 90% of insurance claims for lymphedema sleeves are denied. This is critical because without them, a woman may deal with a swollen arm for life. These sleeves help keep the lymph fluid moving, so we work with their physical therapists to ensure we have the correct measurements.”

Ensuring Proper Sizing for Lymphedema Sleeves

Elaine: “How do you ensure proper sizing for lymphedema sleeves?”

Elizabeth: “We only send sleeves when we have specific measurements from a physician or nurse. This isn’t like sending a simple bra; the fit must be precise. Many women are unaware of the complexities involved in getting the right sleeve, and when they reach out to us, it's often through healthcare providers who see their patients aren’t covered.”

Hope in a Box

Elaine: “I know you guys put together a wonderful box that you send out. What’s in that box?”

Elizabeth: “We call it 'Hope in a Box.' It’s an all-inclusive package, and no two boxes are the same. When a woman applies for our program, she checks off what she needs. If someone requests a wig, we ask them to send us a photo of their current hairstyle so our volunteers can match it as closely as possible.

We collaborate with organizations focused on serving specific communities to ensure we have wigs that reflect diverse hairstyles.”

Elaine: “What additional items are included in the box?”

Elizabeth: “Beyond wigs, our boxes often include hair scarves and other care items. Donors provide extras, like high-end lotions or nice razors—things that are easy to forget when you’re in recovery.

For instance, I spoke with a woman preparing for reconstruction who realized she had nothing to come home to. So we focused on packing her recovery items, ensuring we have her size, like a 2X tank top.”

Elaine: “How valuable are these boxes?”

Elizabeth: “We sometimes include mastectomy pillows, especially for women who have undergone multiple surgeries or experienced complications. These pillows can provide comfort and protection. The value of one of these boxes can exceed $1,000, making a significant impact.”

Providing Emotional Support

Elaine: “What about the emotional support that women need?

Elizabeth: “The key is having a team that understands this journey. It makes a huge difference when someone can say, ‘I’ve been there, I’ve had that surgery.’

We offer support in two main ways: one-on-one phone calls and a text line. The calls are very focused, giving full attention to that woman. The text line is a game-changer—some women may not feel like talking, but they can text updates about their recovery or upcoming surgery.

For homebound women, just having someone to talk to is vital. We’re mindful of where each woman is in her journey, as some handle it well, while others face trauma, almost like PTSD. Having that support is crucial.”

Trends in Age and Types of Cases

Elaine: “Are you noticing any trends in terms of age or types of cases you’re seeing over the last ten years?”

Elizabeth: “Definitely. We used to see mostly older women, but now more younger women are coming to us. It’s becoming more accepted to go flat after surgery, and younger women want soft bras that let them express themselves, without being limited by reconstruction. They feel empowered, share their experiences in support groups, and recommend us to others. It’s all about feeling like themselves again.

A bra can be an emotional touchstone. We often hear women in tears saying, ‘I just got my bra 12 months post-surgery.’ It’s a powerful moment, helping them feel whole again. Even without reconstruction, receiving a bra signifies recovery, comfort, and emotional healing.”

Learn More About the Program

Elaine: “How can people best learn more about your program and how to support it?”

Elizabeth: “The easiest way is to visit our website, impactone.pink It tells the full story of what we do and how we support women. We also have resources for prevention, including information on upcoming mammogram events. We aim to catch issues early, so prevention is a huge part of our mission.”

Get Involved This October!

October is a special month for celebrating survivors, whether it’s for breast cancer awareness or other challenges. Let’s encourage everyone to clean out their drawers and donate bras they no longer need.

A bra can truly boost a woman’s self-esteem and make her feel better about herself. So, we want you to take action this month, spread the word, and donate your bras.

Thank you all for your continued support!

To get involved and learn more about upcoming events, please visit our events page.