Earlier this year, Victoria’s Secret made a very public pledge to create a mastectomy bra, but it seems as if they’re now going back on that promise. In January, 27-year-old Allana Maiden, inspired by her mother Debbie Barrett, began a Change.org petition for Victoria’s Secret to carry a line of mastectomy bras. Barrett was having difficulty finding bras after her own mastectomy surgery, and her daughter, sharing in her frustration, felt the urge to help her mother. The petition was an instant success, garnering over 120,000 signatures being signed in under a month.
Victoria’s Secret was the obvious target for a mastectomy bra line due to the fact that they are the most consumer recognized American brand. Victoria’s Secret couldn’t ignore Maiden’s cry for help any longer and arranged to meet with her and her mother. The company agreed to fly the mother/daughter duo out to their Columbus, Ohio, headquarters to start research on producing mastectomy bras.
Women everywhere were ecstatic by this news. Why had this taken so long to gain steam? Unfortunately, it may take a bit longer. It seems as if Victoria’s Secret is now unable to deliver on their promise. Now that the research has been completed, the decision has been made that the company will not be proceeding with a mastectomy line.
“Through our research, we have learned that fitting and selling mastectomy bras… in the right way… a way that is beneficial to women is complicated and truly a science. As a result, we believe that the best way for us to make an impact for our customers is to continue funding cancer research” Victoria’s Secret said in a release.
Victoria’s Secret is no stranger to donations. The lingerie brand has reportedly donated nearly $2 million to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society to fund breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. They have also donated close to $10 million for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Maiden is apparently extremely disappointed with Victoria’s Secret’s decision:
“My mom and I have always said how much we appreciate Victoria’s Secret research efforts, but cancer research doesn’t help survivors feel beautiful after the battle is over -- mastectomy bras do,” said Maiden in a statement. “My mom and I had an amazing experience at Nordstrom --a store that’s already figured out the ‘science’ of helping breast cancer survivors. But with more than 1000 stores in 49 states, Victoria’s Secret is in a position to help empower so many more women to feel beautiful after their battles with cancer.”
I don’t want to knock Victoria’s Secret because they do give very generous donations, but come on…
Photo Credit: Getty Images
