(WXYZ) - The downturn in the auto industry has forced many people to make radical career changes. And many of them have found jobs in the medical field.
But most are not able to take advantage of the exact same skills they used while working on cars. Carolyn Clifford found an exception.
This is the story of two women who came together in a collision of misfortune.
Melanie Merriman was diagnosed with cancer. It was her second time, despite chemotherapy. She was barely 30 years old.
Melanie: Especially at my age, you’re never prepared for that,
At about the same time, Tracy Bush – who had been working for 23 years at Ford watched as supervisors began calling her co-workers into the office.
Tracy: My own supervisor came to me and said I need to talk to you.
For Melanie, the next step was a double mastectomy
Melanie: I decided to not take any chances and remove both of them.
For Tracy, the next step was the long walk down the hallway to the parking lot.
She says it was heartwrenching.
Neither woman would ever have guessed there was a man – an automotive designer—who was about to bring them together.
He is Sean Halpin. His company designs exterior panels and interior trim for cars. “Anything from the floor to seats to consoles to steering wheel.”
But as the automotive industry was showing the first signs of trouble…Sean was facing a more personal crisis.
Both his parents had cancer at the same time.
Watching his parents’ pain made him want to help other cancer patients..
Sean thought, “ I’m not a doctor, I don’t know medicine, I’m not in the medicine field, what could I do to make someone feel good about themselves.”
That was the origin of “Proud Mary” a company that uses CAD design to make custom-made breast prostheses.
Sean had known Tracy from her days at Ford and offered her a job within hours of hearing about her layoff. Tracy sees that as a sign from God.
Tracy: There was a reason why He had me walk down that long corridor at work, because there was something better for me.
Melanie was one of their first clients. Tracy took her through the process of matching her skin tone. Then she had decisions about exactly what she wanted.
Melanie says, “I got to choose everything about them, the size the color the shape.”
For women who still have one breast, the CAD equipment allows modelers to make an exact copy. And it is made to perfectly fit the contours of the chest left by the surgery.
Melanie: They fit me, they are mine, they aren’t just for anybody.
Melanie is delighted with her new breasts. Tracy is thrilled about her second career. And Sean is…proud
Sean says, “Just the fact that we can give them a piece of their body back is more rewarding for me than seeing the cars I design drive down the road.”
The people at “Proud Mary” say they are especially proud their prostheses pass the “hug test”. They say you can hug someone who has one, and you won’t know it isn’t real.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.PROUD MARY’S PARTNERS ARE:
Advanced Hair Solutions- in Auburn Hills, Renata Marie Vestevich, owner and director of AHS was very generous in donating the hair prosthesis that Melanie was wearing in today’s show. She is a true angel! AHS is an exclusive salon specializing in non-surgical hair replacement treatments and procedures for those experiencing hair loss, whether hereditary or due to a litany of other medical conditions. AHS offers a wide selection of fashionable synthetic and human hair wigs, as well as custom-made prostheses for individuals experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy, radiation treatments and alopecia. www.advancedhairsolutions.com
Binson’s- they have 5 Michigan locations: troy, centerline, royal oak, Eastpointe, sterling heights and Southgate. Lady Binson's Boutique carries all of the most current styles in mastectomy wear, a large variety of affordable wigs, turbans and hats and most of all, the Proud Mary Custom Breast prosthesis!
www.binsons.com
A woman’s Image- in Clinton Twp., they have a great selection of mastectomy products. A boutique created exclusively for women undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy, lumpectomy and reconstruction surgery. www.awomansimage.net
Comfortable yours- in St. Clair shores- has a very unique boutique that carries a great selection of mastectomy bras and accessories.
Wright & Filippis- they have 35 facilities throughout Michigan and its surrounding states. you’ll feel right at home in one of their private fitting rooms, and their certified women fitters will offer you the caring, personal service you deserve.
www.firsttoserve.comSusan’s Special Needs- Pleasant Ridge, MI. Susan has a very personal touch and carries a wide range of products including more than 2,000 wigs, turbans, hats, many different styles of breast forms, bras and swimsuits with mastectomy pockets and a line of products to accommodate the needs of women experiencing menopause. We have pajamas, tank tops and lounging wear for hot flashes, a line of skin care products designed by a group of oncologists to meet the needs of women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, non-metallic deodorant and specially formulated shampoo. www.susansspecialneeds.com
