Knitted Knockers
Claudia Marley of Sharon has been crocheting since the age of 9. Now 74, she has dedicated her crochet hooks to the creation of comfortable breast forms for mastectomy patients.
After the death of her daughter 16 years ago, Marley sought a way to occupy her evenings and simultaneously brighten someone’s life. She stumbled upon knittedknockers.org, a national volunteer organization that provides patterns to create comfortable alternatives to heavy, silicone prosthetics. For the past four years, she’s donated hundreds of these ‘knitted knockers’ to the Butler Health System and surrounding doctors in loving memory of her daughter.
“I needed a way to keep busy,” Marley said. “I wanted to make someone happy.”
The knitted knockers are often used as a place holder for silicone prosthetics as mastectomy patients cannot wear them for weeks following a procedure. The softer forms are comprised of a special yarn and stuffing, then crocheted or knit into a round shape. They fit into various sized bras and provide a balanced look for the mastectomy patient. Marley said the knockers are extremely durable and can accommodate the patient in all kinds of activities, including swimming.
Through a friend, Marley connected with Stacy M. Meyer, the oncology patient navigator for the Butler Health System, about distributing the knockers to patients in need. Meyer assists patients in the logistics of prosthetics and research of alternative options.
Upon meeting, Meyer was touched by Marley’s generosity and dedication to the Knitted Knocker’s cause.
“She’s just darling…she just wanted to give back,” Meyer said. “Anytime I call her, she’ll make us more.”
According to Meyer, most women who are interested in the knitted knockers are simply not ready for the real prosthetic. She said patients find them extremely comfortable and some even prefer them to traditional prosthesis entirely.
“They are open to trying (Knitted Knockers) because you can wear them immediately, unlike the prosthetics. Some even prefer them as a long-term solution.”
Demand for the knockers varies month to month, Meyer said. To make the experience of receiving them memorable, Meyer had the idea to package each pair in pink and gold boxes with sparkling ribbon. Marley was excited and supportive of this festive presentation of her work.
Meyer said, “I wanted to make it more feminine (to accommodate) what they’re going through.”
Marley makes a few pairs of knockers a week and donates up to 30 or 40 pairs a month. They’re completely free of charge for the patient and distributor, and Meyer is sure to inform patients of the creator’s generosity.
“People are always extremely appreciative of anything you can do for them. People are happy with them, and can’t even believe they’re a real thing,” Meyer said.
Marley is currently retired and crochets knockers for three separate medical organizations. She and Meyer have formed a special bond over their shared passion for the breast cancer patients they serve. Meyer said Marley has ‘adopted” the entire support services staff at Butler Health System.
“We really hit it off,” Meyer said. “She’s such a kind and caring person, and she’s doing it for all the right reasons.”
Meyer said the goal of these fitted forms is to make people confident in their appearance after surgery. She shared a story of a woman who was so excited about receiving her knitted knockers that she never went back to the heavy and uncomfortable silicone prosthetics.
“That’s one of the really rewarding things about this job, helping you to look yourself,” Meyer said.
Marley expressed pleasure in meeting the patients she’s supported and is especially appreciative of Meyer presenting her donations beautifully.
“They’re made with love,” Marley said. “I want (the patients) to feel special.”
