Breast reconstruction awareness campaign welcomes Patti LaBelle

Singer, author, and actress named 2015 spokesperson

December 12, 2014
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign is pleased to announce that American singer, author and actress Patti LaBelle has joined the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the Plastic Surgery Foundation to help women "close the loop" on breast cancer. As the 2015 Breast Reconstruction Awareness spokesperson, LaBelle will be instrumental in educating and empowering breast cancer patients who are candidates for reconstruction.

"We are thrilled to have the legendary Patti LaBelle join our efforts in promoting the awareness of breast reconstruction options," said Nicholas Vedder, M.D., president of the Plastic Surgery Foundation. "While reconstruction is not for every breast cancer patient who has had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, it should be an informed decision of the patient and her doctor, with an understanding of all the options available. Our goal is to ensure that patients are well informed and empowered in making these important decisions."

While LaBelle has not personally been diagnosed with breast cancer, like many others she has seen women close to her experience what often is a painful journey, including her best friend who lost her battle to the disease. Turning her personal loss into a commitment to public service, LaBelle's work on behalf of cancer patients and her efforts to support research organizations and charitable foundations are widely recognized.

"Right now there are more treatment and care options than ever before," LaBelle said. "Women battling this disease need to have access to information about their rights and options to make informed choices about what's best for them and their life following breast cancer treatment."

LaBelle will also be encouraging donations to the Plastic Surgery Foundation's Breast Reconstruction Fund, which funds breast reconstruction research and charitable care through public service announcements and social media activity.

LaBelle's public service announcements will be aired nationally on major cable networks.