Busters are a bust form that provide a solution to a problem for breast cancer survivors after mastectomy.  For too long, the only post-mastectomy options offered to breast cancer survivors have been heavy silicone prosthetics or surgical reconstruction. At last, survivors themselves have stepped up to provide another option. Designed from the perspective of breast cancer survivors, Busters offer a comfortable and properly fitting accessory. Busters, made from hypoallergenic yarn, are lightweight, soft, machine washable and can be worn soon after surgery. Busters are created by hand, knit by a dedicated team of vetted artisans using a proprietary design pattern, to share with breast cancer survivors.

The Busters Project is not a charity – it is a breast cancer survivor’s support group.  Busters are offered as a personal gift from one survivor to another, and the project is strictly volunteer and not-for-profit. The Busters Project has now evolved into a nationwide grassroots survivor’s movement with thousands of recipient/ members. Most of our recipients have joined us as co/sponsors to “pay forward” the costs for the next pairs sent out. Any surplus funds at the end of the year are donated to 50l © 3 breast cancer support programs.

We rely entirely on word-of-mouth to reach our recipients, so please help spread the word – it seems that  everybody knows someone who is a breast cancer survivor and would appreciate learning about Busters.

To request a pair of Busters, email Pat Anderson at:  thebustersproject@gmail.com

GREETINGS TO ALL SBW MEMBERS --

It’s time for a belated update on the Busters Project. Apologies for being so late, but I’ve been pretty busy recently!!

The year 2024 WAS ESPECIALLY BUSY AND IMPORTANT FOR THE BUSTERS PROJECT!  The February/March 2024 issue of Guideposts magazine carried a story about Busters and set off a “Blitz” of new requests.  Nearly 600 pairs were sent to women all over the country and our recipients were most generous with their donations.  As you know, the Busters Project donates all surplus funds after meeting expenses, to other cancer support charities , and our 2024 donation of $10,000 went to PINK RIBBON GOOD – another  organization that shares our philosophy of direct hands-on help for cancer survivors.  WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF THE WAY THE BUSTERS PROJECT CONTRIBUTES IN SO MANY WAYS!!!

AND NOW FOR THE BIGGEST NEWS!!!  In September 2024, my son retired and invited me to come home and live with him, so after 42 years in California I have finally returned to my Minnesota roots and family.  The Busters Project came with me and made the transition smoothly, and we’re now settled into a pretty little house on the shores of Lake Emily in Chisago City, Minnesota, just north of the Twin Cities, as our new headquarters. The California team -- especially Pat Moller and Jan Rillie -- continued to supply Busters while I worked to organize a new team of Minnesota knitters to make sure the project will continue.  So far, our new team consists of Pat Schaniel, Juliane Kvalbein and Vickie Hollenkamp – all terrific knitters who are busy creating perfect Busters -- and we will add more members to the team as needed. 

JUST A REMINDER:  Some of you have been wearing your Busters regularly for several years and it’s perhaps time for a new pair.  Our inventory is strong so all you need to do is ask for another pair.  And PLEASE remember to advocate for the Busters Project; we rely almost entirely upon word-of-mouth referrals and we need your help to spread the word.  We are especially interested in getting the word out to oncologists, radiologists. cancer support groups and, most importantly, as many nurses as possible.

IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS SINCE I DESIGNED THE BUSTERS PATTERN AND FOUNDED THE BUSTERS PROJECT and I want to make sure I’m still keeping up with the needs of breast cancer survivors. As always, we look forward to feedback and any suggestions you may want to offer, so please pass your thoughts along. We’re especially interested in knowing how your Busters are holding up to regular wear and laundering and if they continue to work well for you.  I have received a number of comments regarding the amount of stuffing I use – many of you say you have to remove some to get a perfect fit.  Should I reduce the amount a bit? Also I’d like feedback on the overall feel of the project – presentation, instructions, general tone of correspondence, etc.   Most of all – have Busters helped improve the quality of  your life?

Hugs,

Pat Anderson

WE ARE A SISTERHOOD THAT KNITS TOGETHER, A NATIONAL COMMUNITY OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS!