When Jo Anne Stocker retires in a few months, her legacy of compassionate care for women affected by breast cancer will live on, thanks to her employees. And she’s even got her successor picked out as she steps away from everyday operations at her business, Best Fit mastectomy boutique in Oak Lawn.
Stocker, who lives in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood, won’t forget her customers over the decades, either.
“It has been my privilege to have met with them and to have worked with them, and they probably don’t realize how they are in my heart and I will miss them,” she shared.
It’s that dedication that led to her being named one of eight alums who will be inducted Nov. 1 into the District 230 Foundation Legacy Hall, which honors graduates from Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew high schools who have an impact in their careers, families and communities. Honorees also must return to their alma maters and share the story of their careers with current students.
Stocker, a 1973 graduate of Stagg, started her business 32 years ago after seeing a need to help women by providing them with products needed after a mastectomy. At first, she’d bring prosthesis and mastectomy bras and other products in duffel bags to women in their homes. As she got busier – and had to undergo physical therapy for her back after so much lifting – she opened a storefront two years later.
“It’s very feminine. It’s very warm and welcoming. And we have a great team of women who work that are kind and very compassionate,” she shared.
She sees an average of 30 women per week, both newly diagnosed and women she’s had as customers for years. “These are our survivors who have done well through the decades,” she said. “We’re always glad to see them. We’re sad to see the newly diagnosed.”
In addition to the business, she also operates an “angel closet” at the boutique — a “dedicated spot for breast prosthesis for women who are not networked with their insurance or they do not have insurance.” That allows the business to provide a prosthesis for no charge. They are made of silicon and fit into either the left or right pocket on the bra – or both.
Anyone who cannot afford a prosthesis is eligible to sign up for help via the angel closet. Given that 1 in 8 women is diagnosed with breast cancer – a figure that Stocker said has been basically the same for the last two decades – the need is great.
The angel closet also has a wig bank. “Some of our ladies will donate wigs that they don’t use anymore, don’t need anymore, so we offer them for ladies in need,” she said.
Having a proper fitting for a bra and prosthesis after a mastectomy is more than just vanity.
“Women need balance, and when that tissue is removed, there’s no balance,” Stocker said. A prosthesis “will help compensate for that balance, and of course when they look natural, they feel (better).”
“Everything that we provide to the ladies is based on the medical necessity from the doctor,” she added. “We spend time with them, talk with them a little bit and then we measure them, try different prostheses to get the symmetry and balance that’s needed so she looks natural.”
She and her team of administrative assistants and certified fitters want to do everything they can to help these women, who have been through a tough time. “If we can be a little part of that journey to make it easier or better for them, we’re very grateful,” she said.
Stocker praised those she has helped who, in turn, have helped others. “We have such generous women. If they have a prosthesis they don’t use anymore, that would be fine. We have a good supply. I get donations from friends, ladies who come in and insist on donating money. … They’re just wonderful. These women are special.”
Jan Butler, one of two Best Fit employees who have survived breast cancer, has seen the difference the angel closet has made for people.
“Mastectomy products are not something you want but something you most certainly need for medical and mental well-being,” she said.
Butler, who’s been working with Stocker for seven years, said her boss “will go through hoops to help her customers.”
“I have never met anyone more caring and dedicated to her clients,” Butler said. “Her customers love her and request only her for their fittings. She is compassionate and loving and so good at what she does.
“She has given thousands of ladies an opportunity to feel good about themselves.”
Beyond the donations, Stocker also buys some products for the angel closet so items are available in different sizes and there are more of them, Butler said.
“She is an inspiration. She taught me so many things and she always has a positive attitude,” Butler shared.
As Stocker prepares to hand over the reins of Best Fit to Kelly Leonard, she feels like the business she built will be in good hands.
“She shares my commitment and philosophy. And the team at Best Fit,” Stocker said. “We all share that same goal of taking the best care of the ladies that we see.
As for her legacy of compassion and helping people during a rough time, “I don’t feel that what I’ve done is anything anyone else wouldn’t do to help,” Stocker said.
“All the glory goes to God. God has blessed me to do what I love, and so I believe that was his purpose for me.”
Tickets to the Legacy Hall induction ceremony, set for Nov. 1 at Elements by the Odyssey in Orland Park, are $50 at www.d230foundation.org/legacy-hall.
Melinda Moore is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
