Support & Resources
Giving Thanks: Appreciating the Original Inspiration and Ongoing Support of Our Post-Surgery Bras
As we focus on our continued partnership with Susan G. Komen® and our donation of 20% of all orders placed during November on heartandcore.com to their organization, we share their statistics that are both hopeful and heartbreaking. Statistics like these remind us that that battle against breast cancer is moving forward but also that there is still work to be done: Komen's nearly $1.1 billion breast cancer research investment has made access to care easier for all people through policy and advocacy and direct patient support programs. Komen played a role in the development of all 19 breast cancer drugs approved by the FDA in the last 12 years. In 2024, it’s estimated among women in the U.S. there will be: 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer (This includes new cases of primary breast cancer, but not breast cancer recurrences.) 56,500 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer 42,250 breast cancer deaths In the U.S., every 12 minutes someone loses their life to breast cancer. Along with the numbers, Komen’s words shine a light on the importance of community: "Ending breast cancer needs all of us." Those words “all of us” ring true in so many ways. It’s everyone around us that remind us of the reality of the physical and financial struggles when battling cancer, the fact that everyone—patients and caregivers—need support and the challenges of growing a small surgical bra business with the goal of helping those who are recovering from breast cancer surgery or treatment. It’s the reminder we get when we look at the statistics and how we can play a part in helping women, to deliver comfort when they are experiencing and managing so much discomfort. While our mom passed away from breast cancer, her memory and inspiration are what continue to drive us. She was an incredible mom. Patient, kind, loving and selfless. But her giving spirit went beyond her family. She dedicated her life to helping others. As a social worker, her caring and compassionate personality made her stand out amongst coworkers and clients. Her entire career encompassed serving different groups of people, in every capacity from being out in the field, to leading a team and managing programs, to assisting the people running them and benefitting from them. Just one example of her true love for helping others was on a Thanksgiving many years ago, when we were just kids. She invited a client to our family dinner, knowing he had no family of his own to spend the day. Being young, we knew the invitation was important, as she explained his situation, but it’s only years later that we realize how much she cared about each person whose path she crossed. For her, the work was personal, and the compassion was genuine. She took pride in her work, aspiring to do more and even volunteer outside of a career dedicated to others. It was just who she was. It's that devotion to others and willingness to work hard, adapt and power through the hardest situations that stuck with us, it's what inspired us to create a post-surgical bra company that serves women, to keep building it during tough times and to keep changing as necessary to develop and enhance our products to address real needs. This has required nonstop learning, a sense of humor and amazing people around us, much like our mom’s journey through life. The last Thanksgiving we celebrated with our mom was one that stands out. She was uncomfortable, yet staying so positive even when struggling with some side effects. She was smiling, making jokes and hopeful for what was to come. We knew the cancer had spread, but we instead focused on the time together and plans for the future. We had already launched heart&core with her needs helping to develop our first bra, a wireless and supportive sports bra for larger-chested women (not many existed at this time!), and she was so encouraging and committed to her own wellness journey as she worked to maintain her strength. In life, we all face different battles in every aspect, from health to happiness and work and relationships. Our role model showed us that looking ahead was incredibly valuable, that working hard was fulfilling and that learning was to be enjoyed. Sure, she had her hard times, her fears, her frustrations, but her authentic love for life, for people and for giving back are the memories that we hold close to our hearts. This month, as always, we’re thankful we had an amazing mom. We’re thankful that our family can come together and honor her memory. We’re thankful for the people and partners who support us as we work to add to our collection of surgical bras, compression bras and mastectomy bras, making them more accessible to women through different channels, as well as making sure our Larissa and Serena Bras are eligible for insurance coverage and that all of our bras are FSA and HSA approved. We’re thankful for ongoing research and support from organizations like Komen. It’s our desire to celebrate our mom that inspires us to pay it forward and donate money to Komen’s mission to "save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer." When you take time to come together with family or friends this month, what are you thankful for? Who comes to mind as a powerful person in your life? As you think about the people who have supported you on your journey in life, we encourage you to take inspiration from that “village” of people, to give back in ways that are meaningful to you and to celebrate and remember those whose inspiration stays with you, whether they are with you in person or in memory. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and thank you, as always, for your support as we work to support you.
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Giving Thanks: Continuing Breast Cancer Awareness with the People Inspiring Our Surgical Bras
Giving Thanks: Continuing Breast Cancer Awareness with the People Inspiring Our Surgical Bras When October ends, the pink ribbons are not as prominent, and the breast cancer news slows down. But for the approximately 310,720 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024 alone, and the millions of others who continue their breast cancer battle, the month doesn’t matter. They are focused on the disease day after day, as they deal with discomfort, surgeries and questions about their care. This inspired us to dedicate November, a time known for giving thanks, as a month where we’ll donate 20% of each purchase on our site to Susan G. Komen®. Komen’s commitment to the cause also goes year-round with its MORE THAN PINK Walk®, KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE® and SUSAN G. KOMEN 3-DAY® , fundraising events that remind us that one person can make a difference. When it comes down to it, we are very well-aware that breast cancer is about the people. The people at Komen whose mission is to “save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.” The feedback from nurses and surgeons who have reviewed, tested and now use our bras in their practice. The team who helps us create, distribute and promote our surgical bras. And, of course, the people who are bravely moving forward after surgery and treatment for breast cancer, many wearing our bras to help support them in recovery. It's these people who have reminded us of the needs of women going through treatment, surgery or reconstruction, how to help and how to communicate about how we create our recovery bras and why we do it. What’s Different About Our Surgical Bras? The Details When we say our post-surgical bras are designed with the patient in mind, we really mean it. Every aspect was created with purpose because the smallest details do matter: Patented Design with Drain Tabs: Our built-in drain tabs create a management system that really helps patients for many reasons. Secure Velcro tabs allow the patient or caregiver to securely fasten drains close to the body without having them hang down. This makes them easier to access. They’re also close to the body so the wearer can see when they’re getting full instead of being concealed by pockets. We’ve been told many times this is ideal for real-life surgical recovery. Front Closure: Our post surgical bra front closure design is critical when it comes to a post surgical bra, so we took that idea and ran with it. With unusually wide Velcro bands, the patient has room to adjust their fit tighter or looser. If looser, the soft Velcro exposed to the skin won’t rub or irritate it. Adjustable Straps: Our straps fully open, which is a major reason that surgeons want this bra on patients right after they come through surgery. You can simply attach the straps and the front closure, and the bra is secured on the patient. There’s also a long strip of Velcro allowing a custom fit for any shoulder length. Medical Grade Velcro Closures: In the front closure and straps, we chose medical grade Velcro. It’s soft, it’s strong and it’s durable. It lays flat, and while some people may want hook and eye closures down the line, the Velcro is easy for anyone to seal. Sport-Friendly Fabric: Many women wear sports bras regularly because they’re so comfortable, they wick away our sweat and dry quickly. For those who’ve had surgery or treatments, some who may be in menopause or experiencing early menopause as a result, this fabric is a must-have. More than cotton or stiffer fabric, our medical compression bra has just the right amount of compression for post-surgery recovery. Pockets with Puffs: Our surgery bras are also designed with pockets and each of our Larissa and Serena bras comes with a set of puffs, a microfiber-stuffed “pillow” with an opening so, after a mastectomy or any type of breast surgery, the wearer can take out some filling or add it, to create the shape they want. The puffs themselves are created by size to fit each mastectomy bra. This feature is crucial for patients also, because it makes the bras eligible for insurance coverage, depending on their provider. If approved, breast surgery patients should be eligible for two post surgical bras covered in their lifetime. One to wash, one to wear, as they recover. Racerback Design: Straps that fall down are a pain in an everyday bra, and an absolute can’t-have in a surgical bra. Our racerback design eliminates that aggravation and holds your straps comfortably in place. FSA and HSA Approved: We worked hard to get our Larissa, Serena and Shirl Post-Surgical Bras, to be FSA and HSA approved to make them more accessible to women who need them. Wide Variety of Sizes: Women of all different shapes and sizes have the need for a surgical bra; we heard many women say they couldn't find a post op bra that really fits. So we offer ours in a range to cover 28" to 60" in band size. Our adjustable front closure bras and straps help customize the fit. We recommend everyone starts by finding their heart&core size. Why Did We Work So Hard on the Details? The People The breast cancer patient who said she was comfortable when back to work riding the bus not long after surgery, feeling support even on the bumps, like a hug. The woman who tearfully told us that the pockets with puffs in our post surgery bra made her feel more “normal” after her first surgery when her chest was uneven after a mastectomy. The woman who exhibited next to us at an event who told us just how hard it was to move her arms and close her bra around her, so we worked to create the best post surgical bra for breast reduction. The woman who asked if we’d create our bras in black as she had an extended recovery and wanted options. We’re grateful to the many women who we’ve met along the way as we’ve developed our post op bras. It’s about giving patients the option to use insurance or other funds to purchase a bra. It’s about educating women, so they know they’re potentially eligible for insurance coverage to get the right bra for their recovery. It’s about connecting with doctors and nurses to understand what they’re seeing as they work with patients, learning from them and informing them about our products. It all goes back to the story of another very important person: our mom. Her life’s work was about helping others and looking for resolutions, and we are proud to honor her in our work. How Are We Able to Make These Changes? With Support As a small business, we’re able to respond to testing and review by care professionals and women currently going through the process to get feedback and assess changes we can make to our patterns. We’re also constantly looking to innovate and grow in our business, so we’re continually reaching out to providers to get feedback and to those who provide post surgery bras to patients or want to provide information on the best post op bra. We welcome all hospitals, clinics, doctors and nurses looking for new bras to reach out and learn more about how we can work together. This month, we’re partnering with Breasts Are Overrated (BAO), an innovative business founded by a woman currently on her own breast cancer journey, whose chemo collection comes from personal experience. We’ll be featuring some of her products on our site. We’re additionally working with Sleep Again Pillows, another innovative business founded by a breast cancer survivor who wanted more comfort in recovery and designed a unique pillow system for better sleep. You’ll find our products on their site. As always, we support you—the patients, the caregivers, the foundations invested in research, the nurses, the surgeons, the small business owners and innovators, the family and friends. We’re all on this journey together, as we share in a goal for a healthier future, and we’re thankful for the ability to learn, improve and thrive on the path ahead.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: As October Ends, the Work Continues
While Breast Cancer Awareness Month is filled with events, fundraising and the color pink, the work continues beyond these 31 days. For the people recovering from surgery, the people getting treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, the people supporting those actively battling the disease and the organizations dedicated to the cause, we’re reminded that the battle against breast cancer is personal for so many, year-round, every day. As the month comes to a close, we’re also focused on the fact that we’re seeing more survivors and thrivers due to research, testing and support from organizations and individuals actively working to make a change. October was a month of news about breast cancer, including the release of the American Cancer Society’s report on updated facts and figures, studies showing a more common diagnosis in young people, reports on food packaging chemicals linked to the disease, stories about issues with dense breast tissue and statistics about higher rates of death among certain populations. These articles point to the progress being made as well as the areas where there is more work to be done. Here are a few of the key takeaways: American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Facts & Figures: “The breast cancer death rate has dropped by 44% since 1989 because because of advances in treatment and earlier detection, resulting in approximately 517,900 averted breast cancer deaths.” Breast Cancer Risk Steadily Rising Among Young Women: “Although more and more women are surviving breast cancer, the disease is becoming more common, particularly at younger ages. A new report shows the breast cancer rate rose by 1% annually from 2012 to 2021, with even greater increases among women under age 50 and a startling jump even among women in their 20s.” Breast cancer-linked chemicals found in food packaging: Safety tips from experts: “Now, a study may offer an explanation for some of the increase in breast cancers. The study, by the Food Packaging Forum Foundation, based in Zurich, Switzerland, and published in Frontiers in Toxicology, researchers identified 189 potential breast carcinogens in common food packaging materials, 76 of which could transfer from the packaging into the food." Her breast density camouflaged her cancer. She says new FDA regulations are "a gift.": “Under new FDA regulations, all mammography facilities have to notify women of their level of breast density. Until now, this critical piece of information wasn't required to be shared with women, and it can potentially be a lifesaver.” Black women and breast cancer: Des Moines pastor using diagnosis as testimony: “According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Black women have a 38% higher death rate from breast cancer despite being diagnosed at the same rate as white women.” Breast cancer rises among Asian American and Pacific Islander women, and experts aren't sure why: “Nearly 9,000 Asian American women died from breast cancer from 2018 through 2023, compared with about 500 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women. However, breast cancer death rates were 116% higher among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women than among Asian American women during that period.” It was also a month of connecting with other companies who share in our vision and, just as we are thoughtfully creating surgical bras and mastectomy bras, they are creating unique and essential products for cancer patients. Sleep Again Pillows: For those preparing for surgery, the “Better Sleep. Better Healing.” design of this patented pillow system helps patients sleep comfortably on their back. Created by a cancer survivor, this “cocoon of comfort” is recommended by doctors and loved by sleepers. CamWell ® Oncology Care: For those going through cancer treatments or preparing for them, creams to help in healing provide much-needed relief. These oncologist-formulated herbal creams are designed for fast, long-lasting natural results. We’re thankful to have connected with so many important people and companies along our journey this past month — those who are helping move research forward as well as providing support for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. And that’s why we continue our work beyond October, with a second month of donations this year to Susan G. Komen®. During November, a month where we focus on gratitude and gathering with family and friends, we will be donating 20% of purchases to this important organization and its vision. Thank you again to all who supported us during this past month with our fundraising efforts and the opportunity to share our heart&core story with more people.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Post-Surgery Support for the Caregiver
In this month of raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and for the patients themselves, it’s also important to recognize the caregivers: the family and friends who are assisting with the tough parts of recovery and the everyday tasks that require help in early days after breast cancer surgery. Start by looking around at the people you know who are quietly helping someone, the spouse or close friend, the child or the parent. Unfortunately, these days we all know someone who is probably burning the candle at both ends, who’s tired or emotionally spent or who is struggling to care for themselves while being a caregiver. So how can you support them? Just as a post-surgical bra comforts the patient, the caregiver is sure to appreciate a phone call, a card or kind words to acknowledge what they're going through. However, if you have the money to spend on them, here are some of our favorite ideas for sending comfort: Flowers from a local florist. We are all about supporting small business and working with local growers, so take a moment to look up the florists in their neighborhood, order their favorite flowers and have them delivered with a card that sends words of encouragement and hope. A weighted blanket. Let them cozy up with a blanket that not only warms, it comforts them. There are many to choose from, at lots of different price points, so we recommend shopping a list that reviews them from every aspect, like this one from New York magazine. A gift card to pamper themselves. Whether it’s a new outfit, a spa day or a general gift card that allows them to pick something out, a gift card is easy to send and will certainly bring a smile to their face. Some companies have featured breast cancer awareness themed gift cards that benefit the cause for each purchase. Gourmet soup from Spoonful of Comfort. Customize a warm and wonderful meal for the caregiver with delicious flavors and mouthwatering bread and cookies too. This removes some stress of cooking or grabbing whatever is easy rather than what’s nourishing. Treats from Sugarwish. Let them pick from wine, candies and more with this easy-to-send text or email gift. With various size options for every budget, you can select categories and they simply choose what they want and it’s sent, shipping included. It’s an experience and a gift that they’ll remember. A health tracking device. Sitting with a patient and focusing on their needs can keep the caregiver from moving around to keep their own health in check. While some health trackers may pester us with reminders to move, this is exactly what they may need to care for themselves. From Fitbit to Oura, this Wired listcovers their picks for the best fitness trackers and watches now. A subscription to a meditative app. We all relax in different ways, so while one person may love the Calm app for winding down, another may like to escape with Headspace. We suggest you do a little research and then get them set up with a few months of service. Back to the phone call, card, kind words or message with your gift, it’s hard to know what to say sometimes. Here are some ideas for inspiration: Thank them for their work and how it impacts your life Recognize the challenging aspects of what they’re doing Let them know their efforts are noticed and appreciated Tell them they are doing a great job Remind them they are making a difference Choose a favorite quote that offers encouragement Another gift they’ll appreciate? Just getting to talk while you listen. Whether the patient is recovering from a mastectomy, going through radiation or chemotherapy, healing from a surgery to remove lymph nodes or experiencing other treatments for breast cancer, the caregiver is working to support them physically and emotionally. They too need a shoulder to cry on or an outlet for their own feelings. The gift of your time is just as important as any gift you can send them. However you choose to honor them, they'll truly cherish the fact that someone cares and is taking the time to show it.
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heart&core is Making Strides with the American Cancer Society
With the support of many organizations, Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October has become a focus everywhere you look. You see it in professional sports, celebrity endorsements and many of us are actively observing the month right in our own homes. With so many events to participate in, we are all helping with the fight against breast cancer together. This October, we at heart&core have chosen to work with the American Cancer Society (ACS) with a fundraiser for their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Our company is a strong supporter of organizations focused on research, advocacy and awareness, and we especially love the ACS’s commitment to supporting patients, families and caregivers. Did you know that the ACS offers services like lodging, rides and transportation and other various programs and services to help people get screenings and rides to treatment? They have invested $5 billion in research since 1946, helping to improve the lives of patients and their families — and to end cancer as we know it. There are Making Strides walks across the country — for us, that local walk is at 7 a.m. October 12 at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. We’ll be fundraising to benefit the ACS’s continued efforts to fund breakthrough breast cancer research, provide free information and support, and help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it may be more treatable. There are many ways you can get involved: Donate to our fundraiser to continue the ACS’s work. Join us by signing up for our event in the Twin Cities or one in the 150 participating communities. Volunteer year round to help and build quality relationships with people who need your help. As we all work in our own way to support breast cancer patients, from creating post-surgical bras with patients in mind to services that help them get the treatment they need, working together is how we can make a difference. However you decide to get involved, we appreciate your support as we all join together to fight breast cancer.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Ways to Get Involved in October
We’re quickly approaching Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, a dedicated time to honor the community of survivors and remember those who have passed on. It’s also a time to celebrate the progress of research, come together at activities like walks and special events, and raise funds for continued efforts to support patients and their families. During October, we at heart&core are partnering with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to raise money for their year-round work to help those going through treatment for breast cancer. While you can support us during our ACS fundraiser with contributions or purchases, there are also many other ways to get involved and increase your understanding of the disease: Volunteer to support cancer patients locally Participate in a breast cancer event like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Reach out to those currently battling breast cancer: A phone call, a visit or a care package with gift cards or essentials like a post-surgical bra are welcome and thoughtful gestures Make purchases that contribute to the cause: Shop Pink during the month of October, many brands donate proceeds of sales to breast cancer organizations focused on research and support Wear pink to show your support and promote awareness: Brighten everyone’s day with fun shades of pink all month to continue keeping breast cancer awareness top of mind Do your own self-exam and follow screening recommendations for mammograms or talk to your doctor about your personal plan Ask questions: If you have concerns about your own health or family history, ask your doctor for more information Check Out These Breast Cancer Resources If you or someone you know have been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are many resources available to you. American Cancer Society National Breast Cancer Foundation Breastcancer.org Susan G. Komen Stay tuned to heartandcore.com in October for information on our partnership with ACS and to learn more about how post-surgery bras are designed especially for comfortable recovery from breast cancer treatments and procedures.
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A Fitting Tribute: Our Mom, Our Bras & Our Susan G. Komen® + Friends Partnership
The meaningful reason we’ve joined the Susan G. Komen® + Friends of Komen Program. Our mom, the inspiration behind heart&core, was a huge fan of participating the Susan G. Komen® Race for the Cure® every Mother’s Day in Minneapolis, where I live. She loved getting her new T-shirt each year and proudly wore it that day and the days after. It was her day to celebrate beating cancer! And we loved walking as a family. We even wore costumes one year, which made it even more fun for her. Little did we know the cancer would come back and that she wouldn’t beat it the second time — but it was not without putting up a fight. After she passed away, my dad took all of her old T-shirts from trips she had been on, events she had been to and, of course, her Komen Race for the Cure® T-shirts and had them made into a blanket. He made one for Lara and me — and one for himself too. We all still have ours and love that they remind us of how much life my mom got to live and enjoy. This month, we are celebrating and supporting what Susan G. Komen® is doing for women with breast cancer. We’re donating 20% of all online purchases of our Larissa, Serena and Shirl Post-Surgical Bras and eGift Cards to the organization's work to create a world without breast cancer. We thought May was a perfect month to do it in honor of our mom — and all the great moms out there! Whether you've personally been touched by breast cancer as a survivor or loved one or caregiver of a survivor, we support you.
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