A desire to do something remarkably simple, yet greatly meaningful, has turned into a fast growing non-profit organization that responds to a simple need of the breast cancer survivor: the gift of a free bra.
The First Bra Foundation, which celebrated its first anniversary on Sept. 14, is the vision of local business woman, Terry Levine, owner of clair de lune. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}Over the course of 11 years operating her lingerie shop, Levine has had the opportunity to work with many breast cancer survivors.
“In most instances, she came into the store without good direction about the sort of bra she needed after surgery and recovery,” Levine said. “And in so many cases she was still recovering emotionally, even if she had completed and physically recovered from her re-construction. For many women, buying a bra is a challenging moment. But throw in getting used to a new body, then the experience can become even more daunting.”
Levine decided to do something to make the “first bra” experience a little less of a strain for the breast cancer survivor. She undertook the mission to create a non-profit organization that reached out to the breast cancer survivor on a personal, grassroots level by providing her with a free bra. Thus the First Bra Foundation was born.
Receiving a free bra is a simple process. The breast cancer survivor may register online at www.firstbra.org or she may receive a request form through a First Bra hospital partner, including St. Luke’s East, KU Cancer Center, Menorah Medical Center or Mercy Health Centers in St. Louis. In return, she receives a voucher that never expires.
Connie Russell, Topeka, learned about First Bra from a friend who urged her to request a voucher. “I had a lumpectomy, and I never felt ‘even’ afterwards. With First Bra, I went in for a fitting and took care of that.”
“Every woman’s breast cancer journey is different,” Levine shared. “There is no pre-determined window when she should be fitted for her new bra. For some it’s a few weeks after her surgery or treatment; for others it could be years. We can’t pre-judge, so we made it that First Bra had no expiration.”
Shauna Wright-Rigas of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, only completed her breast cancer treatment in the last year.
“At this point in my journey, this was a milestone, feeling I was re-gaining my femininity. (First Bra) helped me move forward with my life,” she said.
After a 12-month test program in her Overland Park and St. Louis shops, Levine and her husband and business partner, Clair Keizer, along with a board of directors, officially launched the First Bra Foundation in September 2014. Twelve months later, First Bra has connected with more than 300 women, mostly from the Kansas City area, but also from around the world.
“Thanks to social media, word about First Bra has spread all over the U.S. and even overseas,” Keizer said. “In this pilot phase, we invite those from out-of-town to hang on to their vouchers while we develop more retail partners around the country.”
“All these requests from around the country and internationally, tells us that First Bra has an opportunity to develop into a national presence,” Keizer added.
In the meantime, First Bra will continue to reach out to breast cancer survivors locally. Levine and Keizer hope to see First Bra expand its partnerships among hospitals and the medical community, as well as generate support through local donations.
First Bra will be participating in numerous activities related to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, including the annual Pink Party from 4 to 6 p.m. at Menorah Medical Center, 5729 W. 119th St., Overland Park, Kansas (119th and Nall), on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
“The community has been very generous in embracing First Bra and in its financial support,” Keizer said. “But as the program grows, our need for financial support grows as well. We welcome any and all donations in support of our efforts.”
The First Bra Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization benefitting the breast cancer survivor with the gift of a free bra. A woman wishing to receive her bra from First Bra may send her request through www.firstbra.org or by mail to: First Bra Foundation, PO Box 7212, Overland Park, KS 66207. Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to the same address or online through PayPal at www.firstbra.org. General inquiries may be sent to or by calling 913-963-0467.{/mprestriction}
