We’ve found several organizations that offer free bras for breast cancer survivors! Whether you’re looking for assistance for yourself or someone else, here’s what you need to know.
Some of these programs, like First Bra Foundation, operate nationwide. Others only serve a certain geographic area. For your convenience, we’ve split this article into nationwide and local listings.
UPDATE: We have removed FirstBra.org as a resource since that organization has closed.
Free Bras Nationwide
American Cancer Society CRC
The American Cancer Society has a network of Community Resource Centers around the United States that provide many services to survivors. These centers provide information and assistance to those who are undergoing or who have survived cancer.
Although the services may vary by location, some of these Community Resource Centers may offer free services. For example, the CRC at the Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Oregon offers free bras for cancer survivors. They also offer free wigs and wig fittings, hats, scarves, turbans, and prosthesis.
AnaOno Bra Assistance Program
AnaOno has partnered with the Pink Warrior Advocates to provide free mastectomy bras to those who cannot afford them.
You just need to fill out their form and provide a little bit of information about yourself. They will ask you why you need the bra and how it will help you. It can take up to three weeks for your application to be reviewed. Those who qualify will be contacted to begin the order process.
Since this program relies on donations, they receive more requests than they can fill. They can only issue 25 bras per month. Not everyone who applies will be able to receive this assistance, but it’s worth a shot if you need a mastectomy bra.
Medicare
According to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, Medicare can cover post-mastectomy or lumpectomy bras! If you have Medicare, you can ask your doctor to order a bra for you. Medicare will cover the first $30, so as long as the bra is less than $30 it will be free of cost to you.
Free Bras Locally
Please scroll to find your state in the list below in order to find the programs that can serve you.
Georgia
The Piedmont Newton Hope Boutique helps cancer survivors find wig, protheses, turbans, protective pillows, and more. According to a resource guide I found, they also provide free bras, wigs, prosthetics and lymphedema supplies to low income uninsured and under-insured women.
Illinois
The Resurrection Project’s ELLAS Program provides Latinas with treatment assistance, free mammograms and pap smears, prosthetics, makeup, wigs, free transportation to the hospital, babysitting options, medical materials, free computer classes and, yes, free bras for breast cancer survivors.
Other Options
If you still need assistance, we have a directory of resources that provide free bras for low income women regardless of diagnosis.
You can also call 211 or your local Community Action Council for additional guidance on what resources may be available in your area. Many clothing banks that are attached to thrift stores, like St. Vincent de Paul, may be able to assist you with a free bra as well.
