Ford has introduced the first seat belt accessory designed by a U.S. automaker to help mastectomy patients travel comfortably.
Support Belt is designed so that mastectomy patients can wear seat belts properly after surgery without discomfort. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and more than 100,000 breast cancer patients have mastectomies every year, Ford said in a news release.
“Driven by the passion to build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams, Ford felt the need to offer this accessory at no cost to mastectomy patients in the U.S. who reserve it,” the automaker said.
“The product attaches easily and securely to the seat belt to provide much-needed comfort to mastectomy patients struggling with pain from open wounds, scars, swelling, radiation, chemo ports, and other discomforts associated with surgery.”
The Support Belt is made from flexible and supportive foam, and its shape and curvature were designed with the help of patients, doctors, engineers, designers and other experts, Ford added.
Ford allows patients to reserve their Support Belts online. They’re also making the design available via license for other automakers to manufacture and test in their vehicles.
Good for Ford. Now this is innovation with real-world impact!