Fort Myers Boutique Empowers Breast Cancer Patients With Specialized Bras and Prostheses

In Fort Myers, a specialty boutique provides breast cancer patients with custom-fit bras and prostheses through insurance coverage. A New Dawn Boutique specializes in post-mastectomy supplies, giving women back their confidence during treatment.

Ashleigh Russell, who leads the store and holds certification in mastectomy fitting, works with patients' insurance to provide six bras and prostheses every six months. "Patients are typically hesitant when they're first coming in. They're nervous. They're scared. But by the time they leave, they feel whole again," Russell said per Gulf Coast News.

Stocked with hundreds of specialized bras, the store offers both delicate lace designs and soft, natural-looking options. Each prosthesis gets matched with precision to suit individual needs.

"We offer different kinds of prostheses. Foam prostheses for leisure working out, swim prostheses, everyday silicone prostheses, and custom-made prostheses. We scan patients, they pick their skin tone. They have tattoos, freckles, veins. And it's made specifically to their chest wall," Russell said.

Clara Verhaagh understands the value of well-fitted garments firsthand. She received her breast cancer diagnosis at 35. "Living here in Southwest Florida, I was at the beach all the time with my kids, and there were no bathing suits for me to wear. I mean, I would have to make do with what I had, and it was very difficult," Verhaagh said.

Patients can schedule fitting sessions at the boutique.