VS&Co is a year-round advocate for women, especially those impacted by breast cancer. Over the past several years, we’ve remained committed to breast cancer research, focusing on investments and innovations that make a difference to those living with cancer and cancer survivors. Thanks to the Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers in partnership with Pelotonia and the AACR, we’ve directly supported nearly $3.8 million in breast cancer research. This research spans basic, translational, population-based, and clinical research and covers six different disease focus areas within the breast cancer space, including HER2-positive breast cancer, obesity and breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer metastases, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, triple negative breast cancer, and breast cancer and racial disparities.
More on the VS Global Fund for Women’s Cancers
Through an overall investment of more than $13.5 million, The VS Global Fund is hyper-focused on accelerating innovation in cancer research for women, by women. In addition to supporting breast cancer research, the fund also invests in other gynecological cancers. Current grants are investigating various aspects of gynecological cancers including ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and cancer metastasis. This research includes one clinical trial, that in its initial phase has recruited 12 women in sub-Saharan Africa.
This investment in early-career researchers provides investigators with critical support to generate data and be successful in securing additional grants that further build on their studies. To date, more than half of the VS Global Fund researchers have secured additional funding to further expand their impact on women across the United States, and globally.
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The VS Global Fund also invests in the advancement of the next generation of leaders in women’s cancers. To date, we have sponsored more than 200 women at all career stages to participate in an interactive career development workshop to hone their professional skills at the American Association for Cancer Research’s (AACR) Annual Meeting. We’ve also sponsored more than 20 women researchers who were qualified to share their research at the AACR’s Annual Meeting.
Spotlight on VS Global Fund for Women’s Cancer Awardees
Our fund awards millions of dollars annually to women researchers and clinicians. Recipients become part of a collaborative network, mentoring awardees in their area of expertise, and breaking down silos to go further, faster, together. Scroll to learn a bit more about this year’s recipients.
Sarah Johnstone, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Focus: Develop novel therapeutic approaches to gynecologic cancers.
Purna Joshi, PHD
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, Texas, USA
Focus: Develop improved screening tools and effective interventions to tackle obesity-associated breast cancer.
Angelina T. Regua, PHD
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, USA
Focus: To identify effective treatments for patients with triple-negative breast cancer that develop breast cancer brain metastases.
Ana Ruiz-Saenz, PHD
Assistant Professor
Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE)
Biscay, Spain
Focus: To improve the efficacy of treatment for all breast cancer patients.
Mary M. Mullens, MD
Assistant Professor
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
Focus: Work to combat chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer.
Progress in Our Products: Mastectomy Bras Designed for Survivors
Our collection of Mastectomy Bras are the result of our commitment to providing pieces that offer both comfort and style—inspired by survivors and developed with care and precision.
Amplifying Voices: A Story of Courage & Survival
Not only is it important to us as a brand to create products that help breast cancer survivors, but also for us to give power and platform to other women in our community. We’re thrilled to offer AnaOno—a brand that specializes in products for breast surgery recovery and beyond—at Victoria’s Secret.
Dana Donofree, the founder of AnaOno, is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with the disease in her 20s and created the brand so she and other women have access to lingerie that is equally beautiful and comfortable (and made with surgically altered bodies in mind). She is an advocate, entrepreneur, designer, survivor, and much more, and we’re honored to spotlight her this month and offer AnaOno year-round. We sat down with Donofree to learn a bit more about her and her journey. Read on the learn what she had to say.
Q: Tell us about the inspiration/founding of AnaOno.
A: “AnaOno was born out of my own personal experience. At 27, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after my surgery, I couldn’t find a bra that fit my new body. So, I took matters into my own hands and designed my first post-mastectomy bra. I wanted to create beautiful, comfortable lingerie that would help others feel like themselves again after surgery, treatment, and/or reconstruction.”
Q: What’s something you’d like to tell women who have recently received a breast cancer diagnosis?
A: “Surround yourself with people who can support you—friends, family, healthcare professionals, and even other women who have gone through it. It’s okay to feel scared, angry, or sad, but remember that you are stronger than you think.”
Q: How about women adjusting to their post-op body?
A: “Adjusting to a post-op body is incredibly personal, and it can be hard. I know firsthand how difficult it is to look in the mirror and not recognize yourself. But it’s also an opportunity to reconnect with your body in a new way, to give it the love and care it deserves.”
Dana was kind enough to share a few of her favorite styles for various needs. Find your best option based on her insights below:
Best Bra for Post-Op Recovery
Bianca: “The hug it gives you back feels like getting love from your best friend. It has just the right amount of compression to feel protected after surgery, keep you comfortable, and feel good so you can heal better.”
Best Bra for Every Day
Monica: “I can literally leave this bra on for 48 hours (removing only during shower time) because it is so gentle against my skin, gives great support and comfortable coverage, and cozy enough to sleep in!”
Best Bra for Dressing Up
Embrace: “I love this simple and sexy mesh bralette with keyhole detail. I love letting the gold decal peek thru a button up shirt to add a little edge to any look. It is so comfortable and sexy, and gives me confidence to just be me allowing my mastectomy tattoos to peek thru!”
Discover our entire mastectomy and AnaOno collections below.
Looking Ahead to the Future
We’re proud to continue our work in the fight against breast cancer by providing resources to women researchers, creating new, innovative products, and more to help women through every stage of their lives.