Fall 2014 - Bellaforma Boutique

Bellaforma Bulletin
Fall 2014
A newsletter for customers of Bellaforma by marvelle’s - a service of Rice Home Medical
Lead Story Headline
IN THIS ISSUE
An Update from Marvelle
An Update from Marvelle
1
Upcoming Events
2
Insurance Guidelines
2
New Alexandria Store
Hours
2
Appointments Available in
Fergus Falls
2
Appointments Available in
St. Cloud
2
A Survivor’s Story
3
Share Your Survivor Story
4
Receive Coupons and
Updates
4
Spotlight Recipe
4
Traveling this Winter?
5
Close-outs and
Discontinued Bras
5
Natural Products
5
I am writing to you from our newly remodeled store here in
Alexandria at 115 16th Ave W which is behind Taco Johns; just a
short half block away from our old location. This completes our
remodeling projects for all of Rice Home Medical’s store’s. We
created a “Store with in a Store” concept with in each building. This
retail concept has allowed Bellaforma and RHM to expand their
Women’s Health Services to four locations: Willmar, Redwood Falls,
Madison and now Alexandria. Bellaforma has their own entrance,
décor and showroom on one half of the building and RHM has their
own medical supplies and showroom on the other half.
Inside each store there is an interior door that allows you to walk & shop from one side to
the other. Bellaforma has taken over the women’s health products including women’s
compression hosiery, Nursing Pumps and bras with more accessories and complimentary
retail shopping items on hand. As always we have certified bra fitters at each location to
assist every woman’s need. Whether you have had a Breast Reduction, Augmentation,
Lumpectomy, Reconstruction, Mastectomy or simply have that hard to fit size (32A—52 K)
we can help you.
This newsletter will list our upcoming events and give updates on insurance changes and
requirements. We will also feature our new products coming in and products being
discontinued along with sharing survivor stories from our customers. If there is a product or
service you would like us to add to our store or some information you wish to have us
include in our newsletter please feel free to contact me as I would love to hear from you. I
am available at: 1-800-589-6626 and [email protected]. I travel
between stores regularly so there is always an option to meet in person. It’s always a
pleasure hearing from each of you!
Thank you for all your patience with our remodeling projects and your continued support!
www.bellaformaboutique.com
New Alexandria
Store Hours
Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming
Events!
Monday - Friday:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Women’s Health Screening Event
Our Alexandria store hours have
changed! Please bring your
insurance cards with you for each
appointment; it is mandatory for us
to keep photo copies of your cards
for your personal file. Because
insurance benefits change
frequently, we ask that you call us
before your appointment to check
eligibility and benefits before we
start your fitting.
Alexandria - September 24th: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Douglas County Hospital Cancer Center
Guests will receive: FREE mammogram, breast health education, refreshments and gifts.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling 1-888-643-2584 and use the reservation
code: ALX1
Bellaforma Open House by American Breast Care
Madison - September 30th: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Redwood Falls - October 1st: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Willmar - October 2nd: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Alexandria - October 3rd: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Call to schedule your appointment! Register to win prizes, enjoy great sale prices, and get fitted
before the end of the year!
Pampered Stroll
Madison - October 2nd
Shop locally in Madison for their ladies night and enjoy exclusive sale prices at Bellaforma!
Appointments
Available at Fergus
Falls Cancer Center
Tri-County Health Care Mammogram Party
Call to schedule an appointment at
the Fergus Falls Cancer Center!
Appointments are available on the
first Monday of each month.
Provide us with your ribcage
measurement and approximate cup
size so we can be sure to bring the
appropriate sized products for you
that day. We will also check your
insurance benefits before your
fitting.
Willmar - November 15th
Purchase tickets to benefit the Rice Health Foundation and view beautiful table settings for the
holiday season, including one created by Bellaforma!
Appointments
Available at St.
Cloud Breast Center
Call to schedule an appointment at
the St. Cloud Breast Center!
Appointments are available on the
second Monday of each month.
Provide us with your ribcage
measurement and approximate cup
size so we can be sure to bring the
appropriate sized products for you
that day. We will also check your
insurance benefits before your
fitting.
Wadena - Every Thursday evening during October: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Complete with music, massages, bra fittings and more! Appointments can be made by calling the
radiology department at (218)-631-7466.
Snow & Ice Gala Luncheon and Table Setting Review
Surviving With Style Fashion Show
St. Joseph - October 5: 11:00 am
Gorecki Ballroom, College of St. Benedict
Enjoy a social, entertainment, silent auction, lunch and fashion show with breast cancer survivors
modeling fashions from Macy’s. General tickets $50 online at www.centracare.com
Insurance Guidelines
Whether your surgery was a year ago or thirty years ago, you are eligible for
after-breast-surgery supplies on an annual basis. If you have had surgery for
reconstruction or a lumpectomy and you are in need of a prosthetic to ensure a
balanced fit and symmetry, you are also eligible for our pocketed bras with a
prosthesis.
Most insurance plans make change on an annual basis to patient benefits. It’s
important that you call us prior to your appointment with your insurance ID# and
Group or Policy numbers so we may call and verify your individual benefits for
you. We will be able to explain your benefits to you before your fitting so you
will know if there are any out of pocket expenses at that time. These are the
general guidelines for coverage:
Commercial Insurance Plans usually allow: 2-3 bras and 1 silicone prosthesis
annually OR bras and prosthesis “as medically necessary” with no limitations,
based on your individual needs.
Medicare usually allows: up to 12 bras per year if needed (3 every 3 months),
one casual foam or leisure prosthesis every 6 months OR one regular silicone
prosthesis every two years. You cannot get the foam and silicone at the same
time.
PrimeWest and Medical Assistance usually allows: 6 bras per year (2 bras can
be purchased per fitting), up to two prosthesis per year.
Bellaforma Bulletin
Page 2
Fall 2014
A Survivor’s Story
By Barb Friederichs, RN, COHN,
Douglas County Hospital
It was
September
1999, I was
only 39 years
old, when Dr.
Gary Paulson
told me I had
Breast Cancer.
In a way, it
was such a
surprise since I
had no family history, and no risk
factors (at my age) to expect a cancer
diagnosis. Yet, in a way, I was
concerned enough to have the
persistence to follow up on a lump I
had self-identified 7 months prior. I
saw my provider who decided it was
insignificant, yet it was constantly
daunting me, for whatever reason. So,
in September, just before my 40th
birthday, I asked for my first routine
mammogram, where my cancer was
first identified with abnormal
findings. This was the beginning of
my cancer journey; one that had many
twists and turns, made me weak,
made me strong, made me ever so
thankful for my faith, my family, so
many people who cared about and for
me, and for each gift of a day and life
in general. It was this defining time in
my life that I found a fresh new
appreciation for life and all it has to
offer us…from the smallest to the
finest in life.
At that time I was a busy mom, wife,
daughter, sister, friend and nurse. I
had 3 small children at home,
working part-time at Douglas County
Hospital as an RN, juggling the
balance of work and family, enjoying
all fun and activities that 3 elementary
age kids bring on. The kids were in
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade that year. How
to help them understand the
complexity of their mom being newly
diagnosed with Cancer became my
husband’s and my biggest worry
Bellaforma Bulletin
while keeping hope and optimism.
After the Dr. told me my options, my
biggest concern was “Am I going to
be here in a year? Are our children
going to have their mom? How do
we give the children confidence that
we will all be ok?” At times, I
actually felt like I was on the outside
looking into this world wishing I
could be having fun. But I was sad
and scared and doing my best to
return to “fun”. As that first year
passed, and I was so wanting to
emerge back into a routine life with
the “ups and downs” and hum-drum
of a little busy family and
community, I found myself
gravitating to the scare of cancer and
the grip it can make on a person. As
much as one could feel in control in
everyday life, cancer seemed to
sweep that feeling away and attempt
to take control of me.
After my surgery, the best support/
inspiration for me was meeting other
women who had experienced cancer,
particularly young women who were
raising children during their cancer
experience and were still in the
working world. I felt we could share
and support each other and I could
learn by example of women who had
similar experiences before me.
Even though my diagnosis was
already 15 years ago, and I have had
no cancer since (thankfully); there
are a couple of experiences that are
forever etched in my mind that I’ll
always cherish: the kindness by our
medical community, the surgeon, the
nursing staff (who were actually my
co-workers and peers); the Reach to
Recovery Volunteer who visited me
in the hospital and so gracefully
allowed my tears to fall during our
entire visit; all the gifts of food,
housecleaning, and help with the
children; and the home visit by
Marvelle to fit me for mastectomy
apparel when I just couldn’t go out
in the community yet, nor could I
believe I needed special apparel at
all. These special touches are what
Page 3
actually keep a person going through
it all. I call it the “human-ness” where
we actually take care of one another
and step up when others feel your
pain.
Since my surgery I have become a
stronger person. I believe our journey
in life really isn’t our own plan. The
only one who really knows our path is
God. We have to accept it and do our
best to be a reflection of Him and
actually let Him lead us. We may
think our journey set out a straight
path, but it actually takes many
unexpected twists and turns over the
course of our life. It really is all about
how we choose to navigate the
journey and what we do with it. I have
chosen not to focus on my cancer
diagnosis since 1999. I haven’t ever
wanted cancer to define who I am.
Yes, I am a Cancer Survivor, but most
importantly, I am a wife, mother,
daughter, sister, friend, and nurse.
One unexpected positive twist in my
life over the course of the last 7 years,
is that I have had the privilege of
leading our Cancer Program at the
Hospital in a nursing leadership role.
Never did it occur to me years ago,
that I would end up intimately
involved in a professional way to
Continued on page 4
“
I haven’t ever
wanted cancer to
define who I am.
Yes, I am a Cancer
Survivor, but most
importantly, I am a
wife, mother,
daughter, sister,
friend, and nurse.
-Barb Friederichs
Fall 2014
A Survivor’s Story
Continued...
serve patients during a very sensitive
time in their lives…when cancer
patients are diagnosed, treated, and
followed for their cancer journey.
This has been personally and
professionally very rewarding. My
role is actually as a Program
Administrator where we assure our
community we meet Commission on
Cancer standards for quality care
throughout the continuum of care.
When I reflect on this wonderful
experience, I think…take the journey
wherever it may take you. Do good
things with it. Keep positive and be
proud.
I found it rather humorous during the
first year or so whenever people
would offer words of support and ask
how we were doing, they would focus
on the word “breast.” This was solely
because I was diagnosed with Breast
Cancer of course. I figured I talked
more about the breast anatomy that
SPOTLIGHT RECIPE
A Piece of Cake
Fruit Trifle
A refreshing low calorie dessert
that appeals to every crowd!
INGREDIENTS


year more than I had ever publicly
discussed any private part of my
body. Of course it is a part of our
body like an arm or a leg and
eventually discussing the breast was
just as comfortable as talking about
my left arm. It was about the only
way to make light of a deep issue.
But, like it should, it has returned to
a private topic and I continue to
“survive” and thrive and enjoy all
that life brings to an empty nest
couple observing three young adult
kids making their own way. Life is
great!


1 prepared angel food cake
2 small boxes of Vanilla
instant pudding (or
cheesecake flavor depending
on your preference)
8 cups of chopped fresh fruit
(Fruit can be picked
depending on your
preference. For the making of
this recipe strawberries,
bananas, blueberries and
pineapple were used).
8 oz. Cool Whip
PREPARATION
Create layers in large trifle bowl:

1st layer - Take half of the
angel food cake and tear into
small walnut-sized pieces.

When the concept of Bellaforma was formed, we knew we wanted it to be a
community where breast cancer survivors and women currently undergoing
treatment could rely on each other for encouragement. If you are willing to
share your survivor story please email or write to:
2nd layer - Prepare one box
of instant pudding as stated
on package and pour
immediately over cake
pieces.

3rd layer - Place half of fruit
mixture on top of pudding
layer.
[email protected]

Bellaforma by marvelle’s
115 18th Avenue W
Alexandria, MN 56308
4th layer - Spread cool whip
on top of fruit until covered.

Repeat layers 1-4

Garnish the top of the trifle
with fruit
Share Your Survivor Story
Receive Coupons and Updates on the
Latest Sales
Be the first to hear about our latest sales and receive exclusive coupons when
you sign up for our e-newsletter! Go to www.bellaformaboutique.com to join.
And don’t forget to Like Us on Facebook!
Facebook.com/bellaformaboutique
Bellaforma Bulletin
Page 4
Fall 2014
Close-Outs and Discontinued Bras
Stock up while supplies last before they are all gone!
Traveling this
Winter?
Don’t forget a new swimsuit!
Bellaforma has swimwear in sizes
8 - 32W. Mix-and-match tankini
tops and bottoms, try on a flattering
high-cut neckline, and see the
magic of the tummy support
swimsuits!
Do you spend countless hours
hanging out in the pool? Take a
look at our chlorine-resistant suits!
Come on in to browse our selection
and get ready for your vacation!
Irina Active Sports Bra
Anita
Soft Shape Bra
ABC
Zip Front Easy Bra
Jodee
Natural Products
If your goal is to use more natural products for you and your family, here
are some products you need to check out.
Kiss My Face has been around for over 30 years and are great for multiple
reasons: all natural, biodegradable, moisturizing and great for your skin.
These products are formulated with gluten-free ingredients and are parabenfree, phthalate-free, SLS-free, and vegan friendly.
A natural moisturizing
soap combined with rich
olive oil and aromatic,
antiseptic and skin
soothing lavender. It’s
simple and pure.
Large Bar Soaps: $3.99
Bellaforma Bulletin
Time tested botanicals and
effective odor absorbing
ingredients work in this
formula scented with
soothing natural lavender
essential oil to keep you
feeling fresh all day long!
Deodorants: $6.99
Protect your lips with
rich emollients that
moisturize and soothe.
Choose from the regular
lip balm or the lip
shimmer to add a bit
of color!
Lip Balm: $3.49
Page 5
“
“
Believe in yourself
and all that you
are. Know that
there is something
inside you that is
greater than any
obstacle.
-Christian D. Larson
Fall 2014
Bellaforma Bulletin
Rice Memorial Hospital
c/o Bellaforma by marvelle’s
301 Becker Avenue SW
Willmar, MN 56201
Fall 2014