CARE Project, LympheDIVAS donate nearly $100K in compression garments

The CARE Project and LympheDIVAS have distributed more than $98,812 in compression sleeves, gauntlets and gloves to breast cancer survivors since 2017. The partnership highlights the ongoing cost and care burden of lymphedema, a lifelong condition that can follow treatment and affect daily life long after cancer therapy ends.

Why it matters: - Lymphedema is a long-term survivorship issue for many breast cancer patients. - Compression garments are medically necessary for managing swelling, but insurance coverage can be limited. - The donation program helps survivors access care that can be expensive, uncomfortable to find and needed every day.

What happened: - The CARE Project, Inc. and LympheDIVAS marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month by highlighting a donation partnership that has supplied compression garments since 2017. - LympheDIVAS has donated more than $98,812 in compression sleeves, gauntlets and gloves to The CARE Project. - The CARE Project has distributed the garments to patients across the United States and shipped them as far as Australia. - The CARE Project said survivors and supporters interested in the program can contact the nonprofit for help or to contribute.

The details: - Lymphedema can develop when surgery or radiation damages or removes lymph vessels and nodes in the armpit, breast or chest. - When lymph fluid builds up, swelling often occurs in the arm. - Compression garments help manage that swelling and are part of daily care for many survivors. - Some insurance plans do not cover the garments, while others cover only one garment per year. - Standard garments can be scratchy, hot and available only in beige, which makes them harder to wear every day. - LympheDIVAS makes medical-grade garments that are comfortable, stylish and designed for people of any gender. - The company produces compression sleeves, gauntlets, gloves and socks that are seamless, moisture-wicking and made in the United States. - LympheDIVAS was founded by two young breast cancer survivors who developed lymphedema after treatment and wanted better options. - The CARE Project serves people undergoing breast cancer treatment in its local community through financial assistance and essential services.

Between the lines: - The partnership addresses a gap between medical need and what many survivors can easily afford or tolerate wearing. - The emphasis on stylish, comfortable garments also speaks to the emotional side of survivorship, not just the physical one. - The collaboration shows how a small nonprofit can scale its impact through specialized partnerships. - Carrie Madrid, president and founder of The CARE Project, said lymphedema can remain a daily reminder of cancer long after treatment ends. - Madrid also said the partnership helps survivors feel more like themselves and less like patients.

What's next: - The CARE Project is encouraging survivors living with lymphedema, along with individuals and organizations interested in supporting the program, to reach out. - The nonprofit is likely to continue using partnerships like this to reach patients beyond the Inland Empire. - More information about LympheDIVAS is available at the company’s website.