The inaugural San Francisco/California Breast Reconstruction Benefit

By Karen M. Horton, MD, MSc

I am truly honored to chair the first-ever San Francisco/California Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Fundraiser, being held virtually this fall.

Inspired by past Chicago Breast Reconstruction Awareness fundraising events, The Plastic Surgery Foundation chose San Francisco as an additional host city for an exciting on-demand Breast Reconstruction Awareness benefit, where participants can participate at any time from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31.

Once participants register, this event will feature exclusive access to heartwarming patient stories and the plastic surgeon’s perspective on why breast reconstruction is so important to women facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast reconstruction patients will share stories about their surgical experience and how their lives were improved through this important plastic surgery spectrum of procedures.

The San Francisco/California Breast Reconstruction Awareness event will feature a virtual patient fashion show where breast reconstruction patients will model Everviolet, a beautiful collection of lingerie and loungewear designed to nurture changes in a woman’s body following treatment for breast cancer and other meaningful life events. Patients were guided by experts Keira Kotler, founder and CEO of Everviolet; and Charleston Pierce, a model, actor, fashion show producer/choreographer and author who has worked with Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks, as well as Versace and Calvin Klein models, and many more.

In addition to patient stories and entertainment, an exclusive grand prize drawing and a luxury shopping experience will be offered. Honorary chairs include San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Francisco Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson, herself a breast cancer survivor.

Although breast cancer in general receives considerable funding nationally, the reconstruction component is often overlooked; many patients are not even aware of all options when told they have breast cancer. However, breast reconstruction can help patients feel whole again, and it is a vital aspect of helping women facing cancer recover mentally and emotionally. Breast reconstruction can be important to help a woman regain or preserve her femininity and sense of feeling complete, in terms of symmetry and proportion to the rest of her body.

There have been several advances in breast reconstruction techniques over the past 15 years, including preserving nipples whenever possible, avoiding the sacrifice of major muscles, completing the reconstruction in the least number of surgeries and emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in reconstruction in addition to the cancer treatment. As a plastic surgeon, I have always dedicated part of my practice to breast reconstruction, as I consider it vitally important to help women recover more completely after a cancer or BRCA-gene diagnosis. I strive to make the breast reconstruction experience as positive as possible for women.

As chair of the San Francisco/ California Breast Reconstruction Awareness Event Committee, I aim to produce an event that can raise money to support these efforts nationwide. In contrast to other organizations that promote research for breast cancer treatment – but not for the subsequent reconstruction – The PSF’s effort is unique as it is one of the few national organizations to promote breast reconstruction following ablative procedures for breast cancer treatment. All proceeds from this fundraiser will remain in California to support and fund research focusing on breast reconstruction and provide financial assistance to organizations supporting uninsured or underinsured women.

With every donation of $350 or more, registrants will receive a Breast Reconstruction Awareness tote bag and a 100 percent silk twill scarf, hand rolled and stitched with the Breast Reconstruction Awareness logo made exclusively for The Plastic Surgery Foundation. Donations of $500 will support medication, supplies and clinic fees for breast reconstruction patients; contributions of $1,000 will support lost wages and childcare during reconstruction and recovery; and donations of $2,200 supports breast reconstruction for one woman! As a participant, you can directly help reach women below the poverty line.

Please show your support and help raise awareness about breast reconstruction options. We encourage you to participate in the event by registering at brabenefit.com and sharing event details with your colleagues, patients, family and friends.

ASPS member Karen Horton, MD, MSc, is internationally board certified in plastic surgery by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for women. Based in San Francisco, Dr. Horton’s private practice focuses on providing personalized care with meticulous attention to detail in a warm and welcoming environment. Her practice is centered on providing beautiful, natural and long-lasting results for breast cancer survivors using microsurgery or prepectoral implants in a single stage.