Complimentary recliners are being loaned to breast cancer surgery patients at Williamson Medical Center (WMC) to help aid in the comfort of their recovery. Operation Pink Chairs – launched by Williamson County student Olivia Bratcher and inspired by her mother’s breast cancer journey – is getting a boost from a partnership between the WMC Foundation and Franklin-based Head Springs Depot.
Following her mother Amy’s breast cancer treatment at WMC, Bratcher presented her idea to the hospital’s charitable arm, the WMC Foundation. Its board immediately agreed to support Operation Pink Chairs and enlist hospital volunteers to organize the process.
“Olivia is a true connector and has such a heart to help women like her mom,” said Leigh Williams, director of development for the WMC Foundation. “Our Foundation is delighted to partner with Head Springs Depot to support and help grow this incredible project on behalf of Olivia and our patients who are undergoing breast cancer treatments.”
Five recliners have been funded through the WMC Foundation. The chairs were purchased from Head Springs Depot, which will also store, deliver, pick up and prepare them for the next patient in need. Each chair is named in honor of a breast cancer patient. A recliner may be loaned to a breast cancer surgery patient for six weeks, an average surgery recovery period.
“Olivia is a dynamic, passionate young lady and when she brought the idea to me, I knew I wanted to help,” said Seth Hall, owner of Head Springs Depot.
Head Springs Depot contracted the high-quality U.S. manufacturers that constructed the first set of recliners made available to Williamson Medical Center breast cancer surgery patients.
“It is an honor to work alongside Williamson Medical Center to bring Olivia’s idea to reality,” Hall added. “We look forward to being a part of growing this program to help more people in our community who are recovering from this disease.”
Additional chairs will be purchased with donations to the WMC Foundation. Bratcher’s vision is to offer more equipment such as lift chairs and adjustable beds to aid patients in the recovery from breast and other cancers.
Bratcher witnessed her mother’s journey through breast cancer and recovery, when a friend and breast cancer patient offered a recliner. That special chair, which was ultimately shared amongst 12 women who had all received breast cancer treatment and surgeries, was the inspiration for Operation Pink Chairs. The sustainable project also allowed Olivia to earn the Gold Award, the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting. Recipients are honored for developing and carrying out lasting solutions to local issues.
“I wanted to do something to help people have the same relaxing experience that my mom did during that hard time,” said Bratcher. “The chairs represent a legacy of love and hope as they travel from home to home, allowing women to heal physically and emotionally.”
Make a donation to Operation Pink Chairs or learn more at williamsonmedicalcenter.org/operation-pink-chair.
