Every 29 seconds
A new case of breast cancer is diagnosed around the world
*Source: www.bcrf.org and www.nationalbreastcancer.org
It’s on!
Breast Cancer has a massive impact on a woman’s physical, psychological, social-cultural economical well-being. This extends to their families, communities and employers. In addition Breast Cancer impacts religious, cultural beliefs and societal values across the globe. This is why we take great care in how engage and implement our resources and technologies.
Every second counts…
The increasing costs healthcare and (needed) regulations have led to a situation where customisation, wearable technology solutions, apparel and textile innovation developers find it increasingly challenging to add value and bridge the innovation service gap between the medical/health and the lifestyle needs for Breast Cancer Patients & Ex-Patients.
This is why our call to action also extends to readily available solutions offered by stakeholders in Fashion, Lifestyle, Wearable Technology, Personalised & Digital Health industries.
Current project
The SBP Smart Breast Prosthesis Project is now the
catalyst for the new FiguraNova Lab+ Concept
“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”
-Stephen Hawking
Why it Matters?
Since the start of Covid pandemic in 2020, the foundation
team, advisors and stakeholders have demonstrated an
unparalleled resilience, and unwavering commitment to
the realization of the Smart Breast Prosthesis Project.
The Big Picture
Building in this momentum, we are accelerating our strategy,
and using the SBP Project as the catalyst to launch the first-of-kind
lab in The Netherlands dedicated to the development of
Wearable Technology solutions, that enhance the quality of
life of Breast Cancer Patients & Ex-Patients worldwide.
Global Vision & Local Impact
Our agile Research and Development strategy will enable
our international team, to become a ‘force multiplier’
focused on developing cost-conscious solutions that
have an enduring Social Return on Investment.
Core Activities and R&D Highlights
Enable rapid field testing, focused on
Point of Care Innovation, and scalability.
•
Connect our international partners, with
our local stakeholders, and expert network in
The Netherlands, and the United States.
•
Focus on soft tissue prosthetics design, and
how wearables, haptics, and smart textiles
enhance their performance and optimization.
Key statistics & insights
1 in 8
Number of women in the US & EU that will develop breast cancer before the age of 85
5K -15K
The cost range for reconstructive surgery per breast in the US
%
Number of women diagnosed with breast cancer who might lose their jobs in the US
%
Estimated number of women not satisfied when using an standard breast prosthesis
%
Number of women across the globe who will choose to have a custom breast prosthesis
Our goals
Fund & Stimulate R&D
Through continuous research and development of materials and technologies including wearable technology, artificial intelligence, garment technology, 3D scanning and 3D printing solutions.
Provide Accessibility
By making these materials and technologies accessible to all persons worldwide who, due to breast cancer or other diseases or accidents, experience breast asymmetry challenges and handicaps.
Create Awareness
By developing innovative solutions and sharing resources with stakeholders, we want to provide education, inspire communities and future generations to become long term collaborative partners.
“UNTIL WE FIND THE CURE,
WE NEED AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT AND TAKE THIS CHALLENGE HEAD ON, ANYTHING SHORT OF WOULD SIMPLY BE A PAINFUL AND TRAGIC WASTE!”
– Victor Luis Portes, Chairman & Strategy Director
How it started
In the past 13 years, our Victor has lost 4 family members to breast cancer. He also experienced first hand the post surgery challenges that survivors face regarding garments, fit, comfort and self confidence (this includes his wife, sister and cousin).
Inspired and frustrated by this personal experience, Victor decided in 2015 to invest and use his 20yrs in communication design, product development, live communication, branding and teaching experience to tackle this global problem head on until there is a cure!
Our Board and Advisors
These people are the soul of our foundation. Their dedication, combined skills, backgrounds and international networks truly contribute to getting our message across the globe to women who needed the most. Remuneration Policy: Board members shall receive no remuneration other than compensation for expenses incurred in respect of the work they have performed.
Board
Advisors
Dr. Kate J. StephensonBelmont Calif., US, Advisor
PhD Medical Engr., Founder of Dyad Engineering LLC
Tatiana Kelil MDSan Francisco, US, Advisor
Physician Women’s Imaging, Assistant Prof. Radiology at UCSF
Jossie E. Otero Portes, USAF Veteran, Puerto Rico, US, Advisor/VolunteerVS. G. Komen Race for the Cure
Josefina MorenoAlmere, NL, Advisor
Spanish Language Teacher, Lecturer, Curriculum Developer & Coach
Be Part of Our Story
The Figura Nova Foundation aims to lead the way in bringing these innovations to life, by build long term synergies and engaging subject matter experts, organizations with suitable corporate social responsibility programs.
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Got a question?
If you're going to try, go all the way. It's the only good fight there is.
- Charles Bukowski
Stichting Figura Nova Foundation, Amsterdam The Netherlands
Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) 7011 2517 ANBI RSIN/Fiscal Identification Num. 858147014
ING BANK NL57 INGB 000 822 69 22 VAT (BTW) 858 147 014 B01
© 2017 Art Direction: Victor Portes. All photos are Creative Commons Zero (CC0) by Pexels & Adobe Stock
