Emma Pritchard
For Carmell Sanne, it hasn’t just been about selling quality lingerie, sleepwear, and hosiery throughout the past 30 years, it’s also been about working closely with Clarence Valley women who have undergone lumpectomies, unilateral, and double mastectomies, offering professional advice and guidance as they navigate life post-surgery, and helping them restore their confidence and rediscover their identities.
Each week, several women of all ages, each one affected by breast cancer, would walk into her shop, The Hope Chest, to purchase a mastectomy bra or a prosthesis.
And as Ms Sanne closed the doors of her business in the heart of Grafton’s CBD for the final time on August 2, she reflected on the countless lives she has enhanced throughout the years.
But while she said it was definitely the right time for her to step back as she pursues other interests, Ms Sanne revealed she is currently in the process of setting up a new, smaller premises, so she can continue to provide a much needed and invaluable service specifically for women affected by breast cancer from across the region.
“My intention is to continue to look after these ladies, even after closing the doors of The Hope Chest” she explained.
“That is something which has always been important to me.”
Ms Sanne said she has really enjoyed the company of everyone she has met through the years.
“I have had ladies (come into the shop) crying because they know (I’m going), and others have been bringing me flowers, and I never thought that would happen,” she said.
Recently, a former customer of The Hope Chest contacted the Clarence Valley Independent to express her heartfelt appreciation to Ms Sanne for her support and assistance in helping her reestablish and rediscover her identity following a shock breast cancer diagnosis in her late 50s.
“I underwent a traumatic double mastectomy, and afterwards I was left with physical and emotional scars,” she revealed.
“I didn’t look or feel like myself anymore, and after losing my breasts I felt my image of womanhood had been stolen from me.
“No one informed me during my recovery that there are people like Carmell who specialise in working with women post-mastectomy surgery.
“From the first time I walked into The Hope Chest, Carmell took the time to educate me about mastectomy bras and the available prothesis, to ensure I was fitted comfortably and correctly, and above all, that I could look and feel like myself again.
“I owe so much to Carmell, and to The Hope Chest.”
The Clarence Valley Independent will continue to stay in contact with Ms Sanne. We will provide additional information to our readers once she has established a new premises, catering to local women who have been affected by breast cancer.