138 Pat Anderson: Breast Cancer and the Busters Project

Octogenarian Pat Anderson, 89, retired from her lifelong career as a textile studio craftsman - spinning, knitting, sewing and weaving. Leaving her daughter in charge of the studio, she embarked on an unusual retirement project: creating and providing hand-knit prosthetics for mastectomy breast cancer survivors.  

As a lifelong textile studio craftsman,  Pat was well versed in the legal, professional, and ethical challenges this project presented. Once everything was in place she filed a copyright. We could see the excitement in her when she proclaimed, “To date, 1500 pairs have been lovingly gifted, from one survivor to another.” 60% of all recipients offer to join the project as co-sponsors with donations. Each pair of Busters that goes out is paid for. At the end of the year there is a surplus which Pat generously donates to the Breast Cancer Support Program at Sharp Memorial Hospital in California. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women Over 70 has committed to donating 20% of all contributions we receive to the Busters Project during the month of October. Contributions are the only form of funding for this important project. 

“We are blessed to know that we are really creating something that has a positive impact on someone else’s life.”

Connect with Pat:

Email: spinshuttlestudio@gmail.com