Rebel1in8 was founded in 2004 following my second breast cancer diagnoses since the age of thirty-six. This project started with the creation of counterculture 'awareness' jewelry to cover the cost of medical bills since I was uninsured at the time. "One in eight" reflects the 2003-04 statistic "one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer". Eventually my treatment was covered by a medical grant provided by the hospital. Rebel1in8 has evolved into a personal mission to inform and nurture real breast cancer and social awareness through shared vital resources, unveiled stories of truth and the deconstruction of conventions that lie within the folds of a post diagnosis world.
Rebel1in8 is not about cancer or statistics but a graceful rebellion that challenges the traditional social and political constructs surrounding the disease. Rebel1in8 reveals what's "behind the pink" and explores the physical, psychological and social aftermath of a breast cancer diagnosis. It's about moving forward well informed and guided by your own personal ideologies that surround your body and your future- from diagnosis to re-entering the world with a deep understanding of what it means to be challenged by a disease with mythological, social/political and real powers. This information is not just for the woman who has received a cancer diagnosis. These resources are for every woman, of any age, who may face a diagnoses in her future or may find herself supporting a relative or friend during this arduous journey. By unveiling the fear and unfamiliar terrain this information can become the compass towards healing, peace and dignity.
The resources and books lists found here at Rebel1in8 are a compilation created by breast cancer community members and are considered to be among the most informative and vital. This is an ever-changing arena and as information progresses and grows so will these lists. The dialogues are a gathering of diverse voices unveiled by powerful bloggers. Their raw honest testimonies, rants and informative offerings often become the saving grace that affirms sanity and empowerment within the crazy, chaotic post diagnoses world. Everyone is invited to participate in the "community"- a growing group of people living with cancer and supporters who are expressing life out loud by sharing their thoughts and lives through photographs and words.
Rhea Belle apparel is revolutionary clothing design born from a passion to create garments for women who have had a single or bi-lateral mastectomy and are moving forward without reconstructive surgery or the use of prostheses. Shortly after my single mastectomy in 2004 I began altering and designing garments that create visual balance and honor my renovated form. Rhea Belle clothing invites a woman to embrace her natural architecture with confidence, comfort and style. These garments inspire women to embrace their bodies and their right to be in the world with dignity by their own ideologies following the aftermath of a breast cancer diagnosis. It is time to bring our transformed bodies and how we clothe them out of the dark ages. It is my goal to bring post mastectomy clothing and lingerie out of the "closets" of hospital boutiques, out from "behind the counter" and out of "by appointment only" specialty stores and into a world free of fear and taboo. My creations have received accolades from women throughout the country and abroad. Rhea Belle is more than fashion- it's a lifestyle with a view.
Rebel1in8 is propelled by a mission to act as both a conduit and shelter for which vital resources travel and provide comfort. All proceeds from the sale of the jewelry and garments go towards maintaining the Rebel1in8 resource network and supporting the evolution of the Rhea Belle clothing line. Spread a new awareness with Rebl1in8 jewels and t-shirts at the Rebelin8 store. Visit Rhea Belle apparel for Rhea Belle garments and more.
Please contact Jacqueline@rebel1in8.com or sign the Rebel1in8 guestbook. Leave a comment or resources, books or blogs that you'd like to see added to this site. You will receive up-to-date information regarding the evolution of Rebel1in8 and Rhea Belle clothing unless you specify otherwise. All contact information will remain confidential.
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