FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Kim Haley remembers the thoughts that went through her head when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.
"Death - that's the only thing we think of when we're diagnosed," Haley said. "I'm going to die."
The prognosis was good, but after waking up from surgery Haley felt horrible.
"It was awful. It was like a straight jacket," she said.
Haley is referring to the garment women are placed in after breast cancer surgery.
SPECIAL SECTION: Breast Cancer Awareness
"At the time they were using zippers and the zipper actually cut my breast. It was so degrading. If things aren't bad enough, and you're so uncomfortable," she said.
"She says 'Doc, is this the best you can do?' I said, 'No, see what you can come up with,'" said Dr. Nicholas Tranakas with Broward Health.
Haley came up with the Medebra, a product being embraced by doctors and hospitals across the country.
"She went to the drawing board. She came up with her designs. I gave her a couple of suggestions and she went to town," said Tranakas.
The soft cotton garment opens at the front and has adjustable padded straps. Removable pouches to hold post surgical drains Velcro to the bottom edge.
"It's wonderful because it has the Velcro," said breast cancer survivor Rosa Delgado. "It's soft and easy to put on and off."
The Medebra comes in a variety of sizes and colors and can even fit men up to 250 pounds.
It can also be used as a sports bra and a nursing bra.
"I feel like I've been left here for a purpose and this is my purpose," said Haley.
The Medebra retails for $75, but insurance coverage can reduce the cost to approximately $21 per bra.
Where to find the Medebra:
Mediport
Free shipping nationally also on www.medebra.com
All credit cards accepted
1399 SE 17 street Causeway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Medical Plaza Pharmacy
201 NE 82 Avenue
Plantation, Fl. 33324 (behind Bennett Medical Plaza)
954-474-3887
Prescription Pad Pharmacy
Medical Art Bldg
2332 NW 70 Place
Plantation, FL. 33317
954-791-2000
Broward General Medical Center (Gift Shop)
Broward General Pharmacy
1600 S Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33316
954-355-5373
Hollywood Discount Pharmacy
1150 N 35 Ave., Suite #105
Hollywood, FL 33021 Free Local Delivery 954-989-6300
Cleveland Clinic Weston Pharmacy
3100 Weston Road
Weston, FL. 33331
954-689-5207
Pill Box Pharmacy
1700 NW 122nd Terrace
Pembroke Pines, FL 330026
954-432-7455
Boca Medical Supply
649 Glades Road
Boca Raton,FL 33431
Boca Lyons Plaza
9224 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL. 33434
561-488-5600
Memorial Cancer Imaging Center
703 North Flamingo Road
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33028,
954-844-9934
Dr. Revis MD FACS
Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care
2500 N Federal Highway
954-630-2009
Dr Kathleen Minnick General Surgeon
1397 Medical Park Blvd #100
Wellington, FL
561-798-9249
Md Anderson Orlando Pharmacy
O script
1300 South Orange Drive
Orlando,FL. 32806
321-841-2818
Md Anderson Texas Gift Shop
1155 Prisler
Houston, Texas
713-563-8200
Pink Regallia
62 Main Street
Waynsville NC 28786
828-454-1004
Ross Park Pharmacy Free Local Delivery
1 Ross Park Blvd Suite#100
Steubenville,Ohio 43952
1-740-283-7410
Cancer Treatment Center of America
14200 W. Celebration of Life Way
Good Year, Az 85338
1-623-207-3000