About Athena Aftercare
Hi there! My name is Lia Colabello and I founded Athena Aftercare because I was surprised at the lack of support breast cancer survivors had with their aftercare journey.
At first I thought it was just my situation, but then I began asking questions, and meeting other women experiencing the same thing. Not only was I concerned about a reoccurrence of cancer, but I was really worried about getting breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL). Even though I was told I was low risk due to the type of treatment I received, according to everything I read about BCRL, I lived a high risk lifestyle.
So guess what? I got BCRL. In fact, I learned up to 65% of women who have breast cancer surgery will get BCRL, a shockingly high number. So this entire venture is dedicated to the amazing women I have met who have encouraged me to keep putting one foot in front of the other. You know, like every superhero does when they are building back better. And I'm bringing the entire League of Breast Cancer Survivors with me!
The Game Plan
None of my doctors recognized the type of BCRL I had (truncal). No one I spoke with had even heard of BCRL. I set out to learn more and found a huge knowledge gap in public awareness and the medical community too! I decided to launch Athena Aftercare to help other breast cancer survivors learn how to avoid or manage BCRL.
CREATE AWARENESS: Most doctors, much less breast cancer survivors, don’t know about or recognize the symptoms of BCRL until it is at an advanced stage. I'm creating marketing materials and printing posters to post in medical offices to remind patients and care providers about best practices to reduce BCRL risk.
ATHENA APP: There is only one way individuals can measure their bodies to check for swelling - with a measuring tape. I’m developing an app that will change that.
BUILD SUPPORT: It’s hard to find resources to help diagnose, treat and manage BCRL. AthenaAftercare.com is being designed to provide survivors with the support they need to learn about BCRL and find specialists to help with their breast cancer aftercare journey and, if needed, BCRL management.
Why Superheroes?
Why superheroes?
In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena (like all breast cancer survivors) is a warrior. She is known for her strategic thinking and wisdom. In the world of comic book superheroes, she is an ally to Wonder Woman, who carries the Sword of Athena.
Whenever I pull on my compression sleeves I think of my favorite superhero, Wonder Woman and her iconic bracelets. In a way, compression garments have become my super suit and I wear them like a badass.
Superheroes are smart, sassy and like to have fun. They can keep taking the hits, fall down and get back on their feet. Sometimes it can take a bit, but they do stand up again. Just like breast cancer survivors.
Superheroes help each other and humanity. Life is hard. Breast cancer is challenging. BCRL is tough. Sometimes you just have to get your superhero on to get through it. We are in it to win it!
