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Knitting for healing, one stitch at a time
Mary Mwangi’s group has sold over 600 affordable $10 knitted prostheses in three years, aiding breast cancer survivors’ recovery and dignity in Kenya.
- Mary Mwangi knits yarn prostheses for women after mastectomies and trains others at a Thika shared tailor shop with the New Dawn Cancer Warriors, selling or donating through organisations.
- Because reconstruction is unaffordable for many, cheaper alternatives have emerged as reconstructive breast surgery is out of reach for many Kenyan women and not covered by national health insurance amid 6,000 annual cases and over 50% late-stage diagnoses, health ministry data show.
- Priced at $10 a breast, the knitted prostheses undercut silicone alternatives and have sold over 600 pieces in the last three years, filled with pillow-type fibre gentle on skin.
- Recipients report improved confidence and willingness to rejoin daily life, with Nancy Waithera saying 'I felt like Nancy had come back,' and Surgeon Daniel Ojuka calling recovery 'significantly easier' with community support.
- Experts say hobbies and support groups play a critical role in healing, and Mwangi is determined to train more women to knit prostheses, reaching many survivors.
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19 Articles
19 Articles
The Toronto Star+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
A breast cancer survivor knits prostheses in Kenya as silicone ones are costly
THIKA, Kenya (AP) — When Mary Mwangi got her cancer diagnosis, she imagined death would follow shortly. She did not expect that her hobby of knitting, which she took up
·Toronto, Canada
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Many women in Kenya who are diagnosed with breast cancer cannot afford breast implants after treatment and surgery. Kenyan Mary, who herself was diagnosed with breast cancer, has come up with a solution: wool implants that are placed inside bras.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left10Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Left
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources lean Left
71% Left
L 71%
C 29%
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