Meet our newest Board member at Not Putting on a Shirt, Mimi Frazier of Linkage Beauty Movement LLC! Mimi has been a brilliant breast cancer and flat advocate since 2019, and was the winner of the Flat Retreat Flat Visibility Award this year in Chicago. The work Mimi has done and continues do to uplift and support all breast cancer survivors and thrivers, reconstructed and unreconstructed, inspires us daily. We are thrilled to have her join us at NPOAS!
“Hello, I am Mimi Frazier, from the Washington DC area, with over 12+ years of working in Housing Administration and the Human Resources field. I decided to take my career and life mission on another path after being diagnosed with Stage 3B HER2 Positive Invasive Breast Cancer in 2015. I establish a safe and supportive social media community in 2019 for women fighting, surviving, and thriving with Breast Cancer. Linkage Beauty Movement LLC has since developed into a thriving foundation, solely focused on making a positive change in the lives of women fighting cancer around the world. Showcasing survivors, conducting outreach, linking women together, sending out Linkage Care Boxes, presenting awards, promoting physical fitness awareness, providing resources, and creating 100% Natural, Homemade Essential Wellness products for women to use on our skin and hair, is just some of the work I do daily. Currently, I am studying for my Master’s degree in Human Services at Walden University, with hopes of becoming a Professional Human Services Practitioner, developing Cancer Resource Centers across the United States by 2025. I’m excited to join the NPOAS Board of Directors in hopes of bringing compassion, hope, diversity, and diplomacy to share with everyone.”
Contact Mimi by email to mimi@notputtingonashirt.org or linkagebeautymovement@gmail.com
Breaking! New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just signed historic AFC legislation! AFC services are now required by law (Chapter 571) to be covered by insurance in the state of New York. This is a huge step forward for breast cancer survivors nationwide as New York state leads the way for other states to follow suit.
“‘Breast cancer survivors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by our health care system,’ Governor Hochul said.”
The 2022 Stand Tall: AFC visibility campaign has been a smashing success so far this October! STAFC Teams have touched the hearts of so many across the globe, and the walks have garnered lots of media attention. We even have a big rig truck branded with the STAFC banner graphic and Dr. Sage!
These are just a few photos from the over 40 STAFC walks scheduled for the month of October! Flat hugs, solidarity, and support – it’s all part of becoming visible to one another, as Audre Lorde said.
Oregon (@flatsoulfulseen)Sacramento, CALos Angeles, CAWest Palm Beach, FLPalm Springs, CAVentura, CARogers, ARTulsa, OKChicago, ILPittsburgh, PA
STAFC Truck!
Trucker Brita Nowak‘s rig was decked out for FLAT visibility at Total Truck Branding in Illinois – keep your eyes peeled on the highways of the continental USA and you might spot her!
… and Stay Tuned!
Stay tuned for more updates on the Stand Tall: AFC visibility campaign. And follow STAFC on Facebook for live updates!
“Women shouldn’t be made to feel that we must reconstruct to retain cherished relationships or social acceptance, have an active sex life, or keep our self-worth.”
“When Boobs Go Bad: A Welcome to Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” is a fantastic article co-authored by Sara Nash of FLATworks Press & Christy Avila, founder of International FLAT Day and Fierce Flat Forward and NPOAS VP. Read the whole article:
If you’re considering explanting to flat (or explanting your augmentation), Busting Free: How to Liberate Yourself from the Quest for Better Breasts Before, During, and Long After Explant is written just for you. Written by licensed social worker and psychotherapist Amanda Savage Brown, Busting Free gives you the evidence-based tools you need to make the decision that aligns with your values and priorities. These tools guide you through the unique mental, emotional and social challenges posed by explant. A valuable resource! Now available on Amazon.
Enormous thanks to three amazing companies – Total Truck Branding, Crazy Dayz Tattoos, and CRDN – for selecting NPOAS as the beneficiary of their October breast cancer awareness fundraisers! We are honored to be chosen!
Total Truck Branding: Complete branding solutions for semi-trucks, trailers and other vehicles.
“Printed on the highest quality materials available and coated with a durable shield, which holds up against all the elements! Our mission is to provide our customers with high quality services using only the highest quality of materials at an affordable price.”
Fundraiser. TTB sells pink ribbon stickers every October and donates the proceeds to a breast cancer organization of its choosing.
Special thanks to Brita Nowak and owner Mario Lekovic!
Fundraiser. CD will donate 75% of the proceeds from every breast cancer related tattoo during the month of October to the Stand Tall AFC Campaign.
Special thanks to Kori Piquet and owner Stephan Daley!
(Left) NPOAS President Kim Bowles with (Right) Crazy Dayz Tattoos owner Stephan Daley.
CRDN: Restoration Cleaning & Contents Restoration
“CRDN helps you pick up the pieces after a disaster. As a leading expert in textile and electronic restoration, CRDN serves as part of the emergency response team. We work with policyholders, insurance representatives, and contractors to restore your textiles, electronics, and peace of mind after a fire, flood, storm, or other disaster.”
Fundraiser. CRDN’s annual October fundraiser involves asking customers to “donate their change” to a breast cancer organization of CRDN’s choosing.
Special thanks to Stefanie Gibson, and to CRDN owners Michelle Windsor-Baughman & Joe Baughman!
For more information about corporate fundraisers and donating to NPOAS or to the Stand Tall AFC Campaign specifically, contact our team at info@notputtingonashirt.org
Are you a woman of color who chose mastectomy with flat closure?
You may be eligible to participate in this study.
You are invited to participate in a research study titled: “The Pre and Post-mastectomy Experiences of Women Choosing Flat Closure after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis.” Tracy Tyner, a Ph.D. nursing student at Texas Woman’s University, is conducting this study to explore 1) the decision-making experience of choosing mastectomy with flat closure, 2) the experience of being flat, and 3) the experience of viewing oneself in the mirror pre and post-flat closure.
This research will shed light on this understudied population of women, providing a better understanding of what women are experiencing when choosing flat closure. We at NPOAS and the study researchers hope the results will serve as a valuable resource for healthcare providers working with women contemplating or undergoing flat closure.
Up to 40 women will be recruited for this research study.
This is the second round of recruitment and the researchers are specifically looking to enroll women of color so as to include YOUR experiences and perspectives in their research!
Participation Criteria:
The researcher is looking for women 18 years of age or older who were diagnosed with breast cancer (Stage 0 [DCIS] to Stage IV), and “chose” a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) with flat closure with the intention of remaining flat. Participants must have had their mastectomy with flat closure within the past 3 months to 5 years, had their surgery in the United States, and currently live in the United States. Participants must be able to speak, read, and understand English, and have access to a computer, mobile device, or phone.
Transgender men, women who underwent flat closure after breast reconstruction removal (removal of their implant(s) or breast flap), women who are currently flat but want future breast reconstruction, or women who are flat because they cannot have breast reconstruction are not eligible for this study.
This research study is voluntary. You can choose to participate in the study or not. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to take part in a 60 to 90 minute recorded Zoom or telephone interview about your experience of choosing flat closure and what the experience of going flat has been like for you. Additional meetings may be necessary to clarify interview information and to verify study findings. You will also be asked to share a photo of your flat closure if you wish to do so. Providing a photo is not required for participation. The researcher will use a code name to protect your identity in any future publications. Women completing an interview will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Women completing a study data verification meeting will receive an additional $25 Amazon Gift Card.
The potential total time commitment for this study is 190 minutes. This includes 15 minutes to complete the study consent form, 5 minutes for the demographic survey, 60 to 90 minutes for the interview, a 20 minute meeting to clarify aspects of the interview (if needed), and a 30 to 60 minute meeting for data verification should you be one of the 3 to 5 randomly chosen participants that are asked and are interested in participating in the follow-up meeting.
Inclusion Criteria (you must meet all of these to qualify for the study):
Women 18 years of age or older
Diagnosed with breast cancer (includes Stages 0 [DCIS] to IV)
Choose a mastectomy with flat closure with the intention of remaining flat**
Underwent a double mastectomy
Surgery occurred within the last 3 months to 5 years**
You live in the United States
You had your surgery in the United States
You are able to speak, read, and understand English
You have access to a computer, mobile device, or phone **Women undergoing a flat closure revision surgery are eligible to participate
Exclusion Criteria (if you meet any of these, you don’t qualify for the study):
You underwent flat closure after breast implant or breast reconstruction removal
You underwent a mastectomy with flat closure with the intention of having breast reconstruction in the future
You underwent a mastectomy with flat closure because you were not a candidate for breast reconstruction
You are a transgender male
If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact Tracy Tyner at ttyner@twu.edu or (972) 855-8450.
NPOAS is excited to announce our new partnership with Fierce, FLAT, Forward (FFF), a Facebook peer support group for people living flat or considering going flat after mastectomy for breast cancer, including people explanting to flat. Founded by NPOAS VP Christy Avila, FFF is a thriving, uplifting & welcoming community. Learn more about this amazing resource for patients on the FFF Group Page!
And… FFF team shirts are now available for purchase! All proceeds from shirt sales benefit NPOAS.
You are invited to participate in a research study titled: “The Pre and Post-mastectomy Experiences of Women Choosing Flat Closure after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis.” Tracy Tyner, a Ph.D. nursing student at Texas Woman’s University, is conducting this study to explore 1) the decision-making experience of choosing mastectomy with flat closure, 2) the experience of being flat, and 3) the experience of viewing oneself in the mirror pre and post-flat closure.
This research will shed light on this understudied population of women, providing a better understanding of what women are experiencing when choosing flat closure. We at NPOAS and the study researchers hope the results will serve as a valuable resource for healthcare providers working with women contemplating or undergoing flat closure.
Up to 40 women will be recruited for this research study.
Participation Criteria:
The researcher is looking for women 18 years of age or older who were diagnosed with breast cancer (Stage 0 [DCIS] to Stage IV), and “chose” a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) with flat closure with the intention of remaining flat. Participants must have had their mastectomy with flat closure within the past 3 months to 5 years, had their surgery in the United States, and currently live in the United States. Participants must be able to speak, read, and understand English, and have access to a computer, mobile device, or phone.
Transgender men, women who underwent flat closure after breast reconstruction removal (removal of their implant(s) or breast flap), women who are currently flat but want future breast reconstruction, or women who are flat because they cannot have breast reconstruction are not eligible for this study.
This research study is voluntary. You can choose to participate in the study or not. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to take part in a 60 to 90 minute recorded Zoom or telephone interview about your experience of choosing flat closure and what the experience of going flat has been like for you. Additional meetings may be necessary to clarify interview information and to verify study findings. You will also be asked to share a photo of your flat closure if you wish to do so. Providing a photo is not required for participation. The researcher will use a code name to protect your identity in any future publications. Women completing an interview will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Women completing a study data verification meeting will receive an additional $25 Amazon Gift Card.
The potential total time commitment for this study is 190 minutes. This includes 15 minutes to complete the study consent form, 5 minutes for the demographic survey, 60 to 90 minutes for the interview, a 20 minute meeting to clarify aspects of the interview (if needed), and a 30 to 60 minute meeting for data verification should you be one of the 3 to 5 randomly chosen participants that are asked and are interested in participating in the follow-up meeting.
Inclusion Criteria (you must meet all of these to qualify for the study):
Women 18 years of age or older
Diagnosed with breast cancer (includes Stages 0 [DCIS] to IV)
Choose a mastectomy with flat closure with the intention of remaining flat**
Underwent a double mastectomy
Surgery occurred within the last 3 months to 5 years**
You live in the United States
You had your surgery in the United States
You are able to speak, read, and understand English
You have access to a computer, mobile device, or phone **Women undergoing a flat closure revision surgery are eligible to participate
Exclusion Criteria (if you meet any of these, you don’t qualify for the study):
You underwent flat closure after breast implant or breast reconstruction removal
You underwent a mastectomy with flat closure with the intention of having breast reconstruction in the future
You underwent a mastectomy with flat closure because you were not a candidate for breast reconstruction
You are a transgender male
If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact Tracy Tyner at ttyner@twu.edu or (972) 855-8450.
