Medical assistant’s passion for crochet helps breast cancer survivors

Joyce Rojas started a hobby of crocheting in February of this year and immediately wondered how she could make a positive impact with her new found passion.

“I have a lot of compassion and respect for the breast cancer patients at my clinic,” said Rojas, medical assistant with UCHealth Breast Surgical Clinic. “They are probably going through some of the hardest news they’ve ever heard, and I want to make sure they know that there’s people in their corner, on their team. So if there is any little thing I could do to help them, I just wanted to do it.”

Rojas felt inspired by breast cancer patients and wanted to show her support. During her research into breast cancer awareness crochet projects, Rojas came across crocheted prosthetics. With guidance from her manager, Rojas located the knitted knockers pattern online, thus beginning her journey turning her craft into helping breast cancer survivors.

Knitted knockers are soft, comfortable, handmade prosthetics for women who have undergone mastectomies or other breast procedures. Traditional breast prosthetics, on the other hand, may be expensive or uncomfortable for some people and after surgery, some breast cancer patients may not be able to use heavy, traditional prosthetics. Knitted knockers are light-weight, washable and easy-to-use alternative prosthetics.

“For our patients facing the loss of their breast, we are grateful to Joyce Rojas, who gives of her kindness, skill, and yarn to create knitted knockers for these women,” said Kimberly Moore, clinic operations manager. “They are comfortably soft and fit the patients’ bras.”

So far, Rojas has donated five knitted knockers to breast cancer survivors. With the full support of her office, including a donation to purchase additional supplies, Rojas plans to continue her passion by creating more knitted knockers.

“Thank you, Joyce, for your compassion for women confronting a difficult time!” said Moore.