Valley non-profit using their passion for knitting to help women fighting breast cancer

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- At Swatches Yarn Studio you can find a stuffing party like no other. Whether volunteers are knitting, crocheting, or stuffing, it is what they are creating that makes them stand out.

"We just want them to feel whole and to feel happy about themselves and confident," said Jennifer Taylor, Knitted Knockers.

It is all in the name-- Knitted Knockers. Volunteers knit or crochet stuffed breast prosthesis for women who have had to undergo a mastectomy, a lighter alternative than silicone.

The non-profit founded in the Valley just two years ago has served more than 800 women with breast cancer and has grown to 37 chapters throughout the state.

Taylor, the Central Valley chapter founder, said she was introduced to Knitted Knockers while in Washington. There she learned her love of knitting opened a world of possibilities when it comes to helping in the fight against breast cancer. She still remembers the first recipient of one of her creations.

"She had been without a prosthesis for quite some time; it was a special order that we did. She went into the restroom and slipped it in and she had tears in her eyes."

With one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer, they are always looking for more knitters and crocheters to help. One of the reasons Knitted Knockers is so successful is they are putting a lot more than this stuffing in each one.

Volunteer Susan Avery said, "I happen to believe putting thoughts into something when we're making it. I think the people can feel it too."

Avery lost her mother to cancer so she wanted a personal way to give back. She does not only make the knockers, she teaches others to make them as well.

"Most people we have, have been touched one way or another through cancer directly or indirectly."

Each year more than 50,000 women in the United States will receive a mastectomy and the group wants to help women feel more comfortable in their skin.