All over the United States, knitters are sharing their time and talents to help breast cancer survivors find comfort.

Knitted Knockers chapters have been established across the country in order to connect volunteer knitters with the opportunity to help those who have undergone mastectomies or other breast cancer treatments and are looking for a comfortable, free prosthesis to use rather than the expensive, uncomfortable options typically available to them.

When Dianne Fonseca – a local survivor, avid knitter, and top fundraiser for the American Cancer Society – was wintering in Florida this year, she happened to hear about the Knitted Knockers while visiting one of her favorite yarn shops in Sarasota.

“I was sitting in A Good Yarn and someone asked me if I’d heard about Knitted Knockers,” she said. “I hadn’t, and they showed me an article about them and the chapters that have been started all over the country. I decided that I wanted to try to start a chapter in Rhode Island. I’m a big knitter, and I thought, what a great thing to do, it’s so inspiring.”

Fonseca, who was diagnosed with breast cancer while teaching at Cranston High School East years ago, has been very active in raising funds for breast cancer awareness. She has been named the top fundraiser in Rhode Island, and is among the top 20 in the country. Her much-anticipated events throughout the year are always well attended and have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“My family and I have raised over $230,000 so far,” she said. “Our goal is $500,000.”

Now, however, Fonseca hopes to help in a completely different way.

“I have connected with The Mermaid’s Purl in Wickford. The owner is Lizzie, and her mom is a survivor. She has agreed to be a drop-off point for anyone who wants to drop off Knitted Knockers that they’ve made. Also, 21st Century Oncology is one of our major sponsors of our big fundraising event, Dancing with the Bras on June 16, and they’ve agreed to help connect me to hospitals and doctors, to distribute the Knockers to people who need them.”

Those who crochet are not to be disappointed, as Fonseca was quick to note that there are patterns for both online at knittedknockers.org, as well as very detailed instructions listing the types of yarn, needles and colors that are often most requested (pale pastels, neutrals) by women who use them.

“There’s a Facebook page, there’s YouTube videos, and the website,” she said. “They all explain why these are so sought after, how to make them, and where to send them or drop them off. It uses such a little bit of yarn and is not difficult to make. Women say they knit them in pairs and send them together so that those who are using them will have one to wear and one to wash.”

Fonseca will be showing a video about the Knitted Knockers at her upcoming Dancing with the Bras fundraiser, which is being held at the Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln and is expected to draw 300 guests. She will also have sample Knitted Knockers on display for those who would like to learn more about them.

In addition to The Mermaid’s Purl and 21st Century Oncology, the American Cancer Society is working to help connect Fonseca with other places that will distribute the handmade Knockers. Fonseca’s status as a Pacesetter – a status given to those who have raised over $2,500 – has given her a good working relationship with the organization. The event will include a silent auction and will be raffling off a two-day, two-night spa vacation for two people at the Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa in Lenox, Mass. Tickets for the Dancing with the Bras event are available at makingstrideswalk.org/dancingwiththebras.

“This is my passion because I feel grateful for my life,” Fonseca said. “I have four granddaughters and I don’t ever want to hear one of them say, ‘I have breast cancer.’”

Fonseca can be reached at dianne@packagingmore.com for those individuals and knitting and crotcheting groups interested in participating in the Rhode Island chapter of Knitted Knockers.