Boutique helps patients feel their best
When Jessica Segen Hinkler wanted an opinion on a new outfit, she asked her mother, Elana Segen, who would tell her “how it was.”
“But she wouldn’t just criticize, she would tell you why something didn’t work,” said Jessica.
After Elana died, people repeatedly told Jessica and her brother, David Segen, that they didn’t know she was sick.
“She didn’t look sick,” said Jessica.
Through 15 years of breast cancer, Elana took the time to put on a wig, or wrap a scarf around her head, and put on makeup before she left the house.
“It was important to her,” said Jessica.
Courtesy of Elana’s Blessings
Elana Steratore Segen
Looking good was important to Elana, her family realized, because it helped her to feel better. They founded Elana’s Blessings, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women who have breast cancer look and feel their best by providing a day of pampering.
Anyone can nominate a woman for a day to pick out a new wig and receive a consultation, or to get a manicure and pedicure, or a massage or facial treatment.
The nonprofit also provide Blessing Bags, filled with items a woman can take to the hospital while receiving treatment.
Their newest venture is a boutique where women can shop for things they need during mastectomy and lumpectomy recovery – specialty bras and camisoles, robes, head wear and gifts. In the spring, they will offer a line of bathing suits.
“There is a big need,” said Jessica, who is certified to fit prosthetics. “Women usually have to order online, and it’s trial and error.”
Jessica and David toured several medical supply stores that offer similar products, and found most lacking.
“They would be in a space with orthopedic shoes and respirators – it was just awkward,” said David. “Here, it’s intimate.”
The space also provides a headquarters for the organization and space to grow. While they can order prosthetics now, in the future, they’d like to offer them in-house.
In addition to regular hours – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday – the boutique will be open on Saturdays for appointments.
“It can be an emotional time,” said David. “We wanted a space where people could have privacy.”
All of the proceeds from the boutique benefit Elana’s Blessing’s projects.
Elana’s Blessings Boutique is located at 470 Johnson Road, Washington. For information, visit www.elanasblessings.org.
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For more information, visit www.elanasblessings.org.