Aug Me Foundation International

Mission Statement
The mission of Aug Me Foundation International is to provide breast prostheses for uninsured and under insured women, to educate the public and  those at risk for breast cancer and to advocate for policy changes that support adequate healthcare coverage for all. 

Aug Me Foundation International was created as a result of my journey (Dawn Spencer) as a breast cancer survivor, to find a custom breast prosthesis after undergoing a right breast mastectomy and no possibility of reconstruction.  I was fitted for a custom breast prosthesis that never really fit and was very uncomfortable.  I thought if I could create a custom breast prosthesis that adhered to the skin, contoured from skin to prosthesis and was a perfect color match, women like myself would be able to hold their heads high and feel confident once again.  Upon doing much research, I found that Medicare did not cover custom breast prostheses however, they covered artificial limbs, fingers, toes, etc.  AugMe would have to wait until I helped change Medicare policy so that women with breast cancer could have access to breast prostheses alternatives. 

Thus, AugMe Foundation was founded April, 2009.  AugMe Foundation receives and administers funds for purchasing and distributing breast prostheses to breast cancer survivors.  Medicare is currently reviewing their policy to cover breast prostheses and I am hopeful that their decision to change will happen sometimes this year (2009).  AugMe Foundation is currently working to provide breast prostheses for women in Ghana as part of a program that Dr. Lisa Newman Surgical Oncologist, Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of the Breast Care Center for the University of Michigan is spearheading.

Vision Statement

Aug Me Foundation International strives for a day when all women have equal access to health care including adequate education and prevention surrounding breast cancer.  Additionally we envision a time when breast prostheses for breast cancer survivors are covered under government funded programs like Medicare/Medicaid.