Pink jackets specially designed for mammograms will be distributed to women who have to take this exam in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, a first in Quebec, the Fondation Santé Jonquière announced on Tuesday.
It was a member of the CIUSSS du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean team who had the idea for the project, which had been in the air for several years.
“What we were told was that with the current jacket, there were certain issues. It was more difficult to hold the garment in place when doing the examination, to bare one breast or both breasts. There are people who picked themselves up with the jacket on the ground. The project precisely fills these small elements, ”explained the director general of the Fondation Santé Jonquière, Sandra Lévesque.
The gown has been designed to offer more comfort to women who have to undergo the examination. The ample sleeves allow them to be lowered without completely removing the jacket since an elastic band at the waist keeps it in place. It adjusts to all sizes and keeps the body warm.
“I can’t wait to have a mammo because I still have them regularly. I’m very happy with the project!” said Ginette Gagnon, a cancer survivor who has been involved for several years as a resource patient for the regional cancer program.
$24,000 for 700 jackets
A total of 700 gowns will be delivered over the next few weeks to the five hospitals in the region, including 140 on Tuesday, to the Jonquière hospital.
“We are able to make regarding 70 a week, so at the beginning of the summer, everything should be delivered,” assured Mélissa Lavoie, co-owner of the company Confection Imagine, mandated for the project.
This $24,000 project comes mostly from fans of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens who donate generously each year during the pink match.
“Even the players, often they have the choice to buy back their jersey. Either their mother, their aunt or someone close to them has been diagnosed with cancer. They do it symbolically, but it goes directly to the foundation, “said the director of operations of the Saguenéens de Chicoutimi, Serge Proulx.
The latter ensures that the hockey club will continue to support the cause of breast cancer.
“We consider it exceptional because it’s unique in Quebec,” he said.
The Fondation Santé Jonquière hopes to inspire other hospitals in the province to follow suit.
The importance of screening
More than 20,000 mammograms are performed annually in hospitals in the region and detect 400 new cases each year.
“Me, they discovered it at the age of 47 by a mammo. So it’s important, do the self-examination. If you feel anything, don’t take a chance, even if you’re not 50, go take the exam. I may still be here today just because of that,” advised Ginette Gagnon.
The Fondation Santé Jonquière is currently working on other pink projects.
“There are projects that are coming because the realization of this one gives hope for others,” said Mr. Proulx.
