The reason behind Crocheted Coconuts, what they are, and how to get involved.
When my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a mastectomy, and was given silicone breast prosthetics. These traditional silicone prosthetics were hard, heavy, and uncomfortable to wear, inspiring me to develop a more-comfortable alternative.
Knitted Knockers is an existing organization that knits prosthetics for breast cancer patients (check them out here: https://www.knittedknockers.org/ ), but I wanted a crochet alternative for all the crocheters out there! Using the Knitted Knockers as a guide, I developed my own original crochet pattern for the Crocheted Coconut - a lighter, more-comfortable, hand-crocheted prosthetic for breast cancer survivors.
Working with the Breast Care Navigator Nurse at the hospital in which my grandmother was treated, I developed a crochet prosthetic that is both functional and safe for the breast area. Design and materials are very important to consider, as the breast area the prosthetic will be sitting on has potentially been scarred and/or burned from surgery and radiation treatments. Crocheted Coconuts, when made according to the instructions, have been approved by several Breast Oncology surgeons at Kaiser Permanente.
Crocheted in a variety of sizes, colors, and customizable to each individual's desired size and weight, Crocheted Coconuts are crafted with materials proven to stay soft, comfortable, and not irritate the recipient's skin. Not only are they more-comfortable than their silicone counterparts, but Coconuts are also safe for swimming and machine-washable. Coconuts are handmade with love and care by volunteers, and donated to local hospitals. Each patient receives a Crocheted Coconut at their follow-up post-op appointment, along with a Care Card that tells them how to care for their new hand-crocheted prosthetic.
So that's an overview of Crocheted Coconuts! Stay tuned for more-detailed instructions on how to make and distribute your own Crocheted Coconuts!