Cancer Survivor Knits Free Breast Prosthetics for Women

Sara Gmitro turned one of the hardest moments of her life into a gift for hundreds of women she'll never meet.

The Naperville resident received a stage one breast cancer diagnosis shortly after Christmas last year. She chose a double mastectomy in January, removing both breasts to eliminate future worry. That night, she went home from outpatient surgery and started planning her next chapter.

A few weeks into recovery, Sara discovered Knitted Knockers. These soft, knitted breast prosthetics slip inside a bra like little pillows. Women can wear them immediately after surgery, unlike silicone prosthetics that require weeks of healing.

Sara taught herself to knit while waiting for her own silicone prosthetics to arrive. She immediately understood their value. Having something to wear right away gave her confidence when she needed it most.

She connected with another volunteer in Aurora and started creating prosthetics in different sizes and colors. Then she approached her own surgeon, Dr. Anna Chichura at Duly Health and Care's Brian Moran Cancer Institute, asking if patients could benefit from having them available in the office.

Dr. Chichura called Sara's involvement phenomenal. The knitted prosthetics help women regain confidence the moment they need it. They also solve a financial problem that insurance doesn't always cover.

Sunny's Take

Even with insurance, commercial breast prosthetics cost nearly $1,000. For many women, that expense adds financial stress to an already overwhelming medical journey. Sara's handmade gifts eliminate that barrier completely.

Now women walking into Dr. Chichura's office find free prosthetics waiting in multiple cup sizes and colors. They don't have to order online or wait for shipping. They can leave their appointment with something tangible that helps them feel whole again.

Sara found strength in her medical team and local community during treatment. Now she's become that strength for others. Every stitch represents hope. Every completed pair means one more woman won't have to choose between healing and dignity.

Her needles keep clicking, one prosthetic at a time, turning yarn into comfort and her own recovery into someone else's fresh start.