- Developed and designed by Ford, the contoured SupportBelt™ is made from a soft, breathable foam
- The SupportBelt™ is a continuation of decades of Ford support aimed at helping and inspiring in the fight against breast cancer.
Lynn Simoncini never thought of herself as an innovator when she received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2022. However, after a double mastectomy, she found herself grappling with an unexpected source of pain during a routine activity — driving.
The pressure of wearing a tightly fastened seatbelt across her still-healing chest was agonizing, making even short trips a challenge. It was a problem, she thought, that must be common, but there were no real solutions.
That’s when Simoncini, a creative director at VML – a marketing partner of Ford – and a self-described “car girl,” started sketching out ideas. Simoncini’s initiative led to the creation of the Ford SupportBelt™, a device designed to address a pressing need for women and men who undergo a mastectomy, or the removal of breast tissue, as part of their treatment plan.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among women in 157 countries, according to the World Health Organization. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health reports that breast cancer is not only the most common cancer affecting women but also the leading cancer type both nationally, regionally, and globally. In the UAE, the National Cancer Registry recorded 883 breast cancer cases among the local population between January and December 2019, accounting for 20.2% of all reported malignant cases during that year, highlighting the significant burden breast cancer places on healthcare systems in the region. This mirrors global trends, underscoring the widespread impact of the disease.
A Lightbulb Moment
“I couldn't believe there wasn't a product made that makes your seat belt comfortable to wear and that also happens to look good,” Simoncini said after her mastectomy. She shared her idea with her partner, Chad Woolums, and together they drafted a proposal for a supportive, comfortable belt designed specifically for post-mastectomy patients.
Mastectomies, in addition to radiation and chemotherapy, are a common route of treatment for those who have invasive breast cancer.
“The surgery is so much more intense than one can imagine. Residual pain and sensitivities can last for months after surgery, making exposure to everyday objects painful and uncomfortable,” says Dr. Nayana Dekhne, breast surgeon for Corewell Health™, a Michigan not-for-profit health system that provided medical expertise during the development of the SupportBelt™. “It is also likely that there is a need for additional follow-up surgeries that make the need for this product ongoing past the initial mastectomy.”
With the proposal in hand, Simoncini took the idea to Emily Obert, Ford experience design director. With Obert's guidance and the help of a team that included design intern Rima Shkoukani, the SupportBelt™ began to take shape. Shkoukani, a senior industrial design student at Lawrence Tech, pored over research, interviewed breast cancer survivors, and crafted prototypes.
"I was in here for long hours every single day, three weeks straight, just cutting foam and trying out different ways that it would form to a body," Shkoukani said.
Developed and designed by Ford, the contoured SupportBelt™ is made from a soft, breathable foam that fastens to the seatbelt to help relieve pressure and reduce discomfort on a person's chest while driving.
For Shkoukani, she hopes that mastectomy patients can recover from their surgeries more comfortably.
"I just want somebody who is using this product to be like, 'I'm glad that there was somebody who understood what I am going through and considered this very specific small part of my recovery process in such a thoughtful and considerate way,'" she said.
A Long-Standing Commitment in the Middle East
“The Ford SupportBelt™ is a true reflection of our enduring commitment to enhancing the daily lives of those recovering from mastectomy surgery. We understand that even routine actions, such as fastening a seatbelt, can become difficult, and this innovation aims to offer both comfort and essential support," said Rasha Ghanem, Director, Public Affairs & Communications at Ford Middle East. "This builds on our longstanding dedication to breast cancer awareness, embodied through initiatives like Warriors in Pink. At Ford, we are steadfast in our mission to support our customers, especially those navigating life after breast cancer. The SupportBelt™ is another way we stand by our community, offering not just comfort, but empowerment on their road to recovery."
The SupportBelt™ is a continuation of decades of Ford support aimed at helping and inspiring in the fight against breast cancer. For 30 years, Ford Warriors in Pink® has supported individuals affected by breast cancer, including patients, survivors, and co-survivors across the globe. Since 2010, Ford has been committed to the fight against breast cancer in the Middle East through its Warriors in Pink® initiative, which promotes regular screenings and early detection. Over the past fourteen years, the campaign has worked with more than 130 survivors across the Middle East and North Africa to highlight the life-saving impact of early diagnosis. Additionally, Ford’s partnership with Zulekha Hospital in the UAE has provided over 3,600 people with free mammograms and breast cancer consultations since 2015.
Around the globe, Ford has invested more than $139 million in the fight against breast cancer through the sale of inspirational apparel and gear, and the initiative helps provide essential transportation solutions for those in need.
Welcome Comfort
Designed with the input of patients and doctors, the SupportBelt™ provides a comfortable solution for patients to wear their seatbelts on either the driver or passenger sides of the vehicle.
The team worked with engineers to ensure that the SupportBelt™ met Ford quality standards. They also experimented with varied materials, choosing a low volatile organic compound foam wrapped in fabric made in part from recycled plastic that wraps around the seat belt using a Velcro fastener.
The concave design of the SupportBelt™ allows it to conform to various body types, providing a more personalized fit that reduces the risk of chafing or irritation.
“The SupportBelt™ demonstrates the profound impact that thoughtful design can have on healing,” says Obert.
As for Simoncini, her original SupportBelt™ prototype has become part of her everyday life.
“I leave it strapped to the seatbelt in my car and use it every single day,” she said. “I hope that women everywhere, who have experienced the same struggles I have, get the SupportBelt™ and find comfort in knowing that this product has been brought to them by a group of people who recognize their battle and know the SupportBelt™ will help.”