HERS Breast Cancer Foundation :: Bras for Body & Soul

FAQs

The HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides programs and services supporting the needs of women and families affected by breast cancer in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bras for Body & Soul®, a program of the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, provides medically necessary items such as bras, prosthesis, lymphedema sleeves, wigs and more, to women who have had breast surgery. We also carry bras appropriate for all women and girls, including nursing bras.

Bras for Body & Soul^® - Softee

For the woman who has had a Lumpectomy or a Mastectomy, we will help you find the right after-surgery bras and breast prostheses to experience balance and comfort of your breast(s), neck, shoulders and back.

Most health insurances help pay for post-surgery items, as well as items for women with special fitting needs. We handle billing of Kaiser, Medicare, Hanger, and most insurance companies.

The After-Surgery Softee^®

The Softee^®--a special camisole garment for women who have experienced breast surgery, providing comfort and care for her surgery site and her natural breast.

The Softee^® is a beautiful gift idea for men and women to give to a loved one or friend who is about to have, or has had, breast surgery. It can even be worn home from the hospital if she wants, or at least within the next few days and all throughout her weeks of healing. Many women find that they are still wearing Softees^® long after they have been fitted with bras and prostheses because they are so comfortable for casual wear.

Colors: white, pink, black, beige

Sizes: petite, small, medium, large, extra large

No fitting necessary.

Health Insurance Advocates

We help women to understand their insurance benefits. Some clients say they would rather pay for everything themselves than be hassled with their insurance. But to us that defeats the whole purpose of having insurance coverage so together we pursue the client's benefits. We feel strongly about not letting the insurance industry intimidate anyone. Unfortunately, some insurance companies do not provide adequate coverage of post-mastectomy bras and prostheses. Worse yet, some will only reimburse a medical supply house; not a specialty bra company even though this customized service is the best way to insure a proper fitting. Women are then hindered from going where they choose and securing the quality of fitting and the quality of experience that they deserve. Our efforts with insurance companies have been highly successful thus far but there is still much work to be done. We work hard as an advocate for our clients rights as well as educating the insurance agents about the unique needs of women.

Reflections
by Nancy Vital

To Become More Authentic

Most of us long to achieve a deeper level of meaning and authenticity uncomplicated by today's world of consumption, pressure, stress and frenzy. Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and consciously made a commitment to restoring balance in my life with unwavering attention and nurturing to my body, mind and soul. My body would be treated with every advantage that modern medicine could provide, which meant a modified radical mastectomy and a six month assault of chemotherapy. For my mind, I became knowledgeable & informed, being the best patient advocate that I could for myself. Lastly, to care for my soul; to participate in nurturing activities that contribute to a feeling of peace and calm. In short, I became more authentic, living a lifestyle that supported LIFE.

One of the most difficult struggles was to give up who and what I had been. For 15 years I had given all my energy to a large income tax preparation firm. As a district manager I was required to wear many hats: teach tax law, do training, assist clients with IRS audits, be accountable for the profitability of our district, etc. This was an all-consuming job leaving no time for family or me. I knew I could not continue to work in this self-destructive environment and yet, I love tax work and the "puzzle" each client presents. I enjoy helping people take the worry out of tax filing. Thus, I opened my own income tax practice--A VITAL TAX SERVICE. I contribute 10% of every dollar I collect to breast cancer organizations thereby making a worthwhile contribution to women and controlling my personal environment and stress level.

In addition to taking a hard look at my job and quality of life issues, I felt called to be an instrument of faith, hope and love in my community. I felt troubled by the rat maze I was in as I looked for products that would restore my self-confidence and dignity before and after treatment. It was while on this quest that I first met Tricia. I was attracted to her desire to address the soul, the authentic woman that each of us is. It is her commitment to each woman not as customer but as a human being that solidifies our relationship. After the seminar I told her that I was very interested in assisting her with education and outreach, explaining that I had a wealth of training and first-hand experience from which to draw. As we became better acquainted it became clear that I also could make valuable contributions in the area of business and taxation. And, I bring a personal understanding of the challenges women with breast cancer face. I'm grateful that Tricia has invited me to join her in her work of Bras for Body & Soul and look forward to meeting many of you in the months to come.

Nancy can be reached at 510-226-0642.