JONESBORO, Ark. — The United Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting a free pop-up shop in Jonesboro for breast cancer survivors and individuals currently undergoing treatment. The shop, open daily through Oct. 17, provides free clothing, shoes, bedding, makeup, and household essentials to participants without any limits on the quantity they can take.
The foundation, established 25 years ago, was created by Stephanie Mastroianni after the loss of her mother, Audrey, to breast cancer at age 42. Mastroianni described her work with the organization as a calling. “I feel like it found me,” she said. “I think it was really like God’s hand in my life directing my steps... I don’t think I could have planned this.”
Mastroianni emphasized that the foundation operates as a family effort aimed at helping others facing similar challenges. The pop-up shop reflects that mission, bringing survivors together in a supportive environment.
One such survivor, Candice Koerner, assists visitors in selecting clothing at the shop. “This organization provides numerous opportunities and encouragement for women who may not have had that,” Koerner said. “Sometimes women don’t even want to talk about the fact that they had breast cancer.”
Koerner, herself a survivor of breast cancer and other forms of cancer, expressed hope for others. “I’ve had breast cancer twice. I’ve had two other cancers in my life. And I’m here to say that you can get beyond it and not make it the focus of your life,” she added.
For survivors like Nevin Djoganopoulos and Vickie Ward, the shop fosters a sense of community. “I’m so happy to be here and standing with some of the strongest women in the world,” Djoganopoulos said. “It’s so exciting to speak with people that really understand where you’ve been, how you feel, what you’ve been through.”
Ward agreed, likening the shop to a family gathering. “When you really think about family, you think about love and togetherness and us being here one for another,” she said. Ward encouraged others diagnosed with breast cancer to prioritize their health and visit the shop. “Stay on top of your mammograms. And then come find this place,” she advised.
The pop-up shop is located at 2717 Phillips Drive in Jonesboro and operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested in participating can register or find information at ubcf.org or by calling 1-877-822-4287. The foundation also announced plans to return to the area in December.
The United Breast Cancer Foundation continues its mission to support survivors and current patients through events like this, bringing hope and resources to those affected by the disease.