Week 42 of #52weeksofgiving - Ink4Pink - Post-Mastectomy Tattoos
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are excited to feature Ink4Pink for week 42 of #52weeksofgiving! Ink4Pink provides financial assistance to breast cancer survivors and transgender patients who wish to receive nipple tattoos after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Michelle attended the Party for Pink event hosted by AW Plastic Surgery last Thursday, which benefited Ink4Pink and My Breast Cancer Support. AW donated proceeds from the evening to both New Hampshire nonprofits. Thank you to Dr. Wilson and his team for a great time and your acts of kindness!
LeMay Family Goodworks looks forward to collaborating with Ink4Pink in providing more individuals with post-mastectomy tattoos and with AW Plastic Surgery to support transgender surgeries.
Read the full Ink4Pink story and learn how you can help below.
The Ink4Pink Inspiration
Corina Klein founded Ink4Pink after her own journey with breast cancer. Corina was diagnosed in April 2020 and explains that it took over much of her life.
“Through my battle I learned that not everyone's journey can be completed the way they would [have] possibly liked and I want to be able to do something about that,” Corina writes of her experience.
She notes that while many cancer and transgender patients’ needs are covered by insurance, something not covered is breast tattooing—although it’s often the final step in closing their chapter on cancer or transition. Many patients have large scars following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. They struggle with feelings of lost identity and incompleteness.
Nipple and breast tattoos are becoming an increasingly popular non-invasive procedure for patients to heal from some of their mental and physical trauma. This could be a restorative nipple tattoo after a mastectomy or a decorative tattoo to cover scars. Either way, the piece is the survivor’s choice and something that empowers them to feel confident, complete, and beautiful.
According to Ink4Pink, nipple tattoos are sometimes covered by insurance at a medical tattoo artist. However, patients often pay out of pocket only to have their claims denied later. Not to mention, those who opt for a decorative tattoo don’t have the opportunity for insurance coverage at all.
Through Ink4Pink, Corina is on a mission to provide tattoos for breast cancer survivors and transgender patients who cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs so that they can enter that final phase of healing.
The New Hampshire nonprofit offers financial support for breast cancer-related tattoo reconstruction, which can include:
Nipple reconstruction tattoos
Scar camouflage
Unique, creative tattoos
Eyebrow tattoos
They also partner with skilled tattooists specializing in nipple and breast tattoos to help people find experienced and trusted professionals. Please request assistance today if you or a loved one could use this support.
How You Can Support Ink4Pink
If you are looking for a new and unique way to show your support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (or any time of year!), consider helping Ink4Pink by:
Ink4Pink Team | Courtesy Ink4Pink on Facebook
Donating: Donations and sponsorships allow Ink4Pink to make a difference for as many people as possible. They even have several donor levels with fun perks!
Shopping: Rep Ink4Pink swag to help them spread the word! Proceeds from every purchase go toward their efforts to help survivors.
Becoming a Tattoo Partner: Ink4Pink is also searching for new tattoo partners to provide breast cancer survivors and transgender individuals with post-mastectomy tattoos.
Volunteer: Contact Ink4Pink to find out how to get involved on their board of directors or volunteer events!
Ink4Pink believes “that no one should have to [decide] to feel complete after recovery because of their financial situation,” and we couldn’t agree more! To help out and keep up with their events and efforts, follow them on Instagram @ink4pink or Facebook.