In the heart of Chisago County, Minnesota, a remarkable 92-year-old woman is quietly transforming the lives of breast cancer survivors—one stitch at a time. Pat Anderson, founder of the Busters Project, has spent the last decade knitting handcrafted breast prosthetics for women who have undergone mastectomies. These soft, pastel-colored forms, known as Busters, offer not only physical comfort but also emotional healing. Anderson’s mission is deeply personal: she is a survivor herself and understands the profound impact of losing one’s breasts. Her story, and the legacy she’s working to preserve, is a testament to the healing power of craft, community, and compassion.

Anderson’s journey began in 2015, shortly after her own mastectomy. When her daughter sent her a photo of knitted bust forms, she saw not just a product, but a calling. She studied the design, refined it, and began producing her own version—products she felt were softer, more comfortable, and more dignified than the silicone alternatives often provided to survivors. Since then, she has sent over 4,000 pairs of Busters to women across the country, all free of charge. Each pair is a gift, part of a pay-it-forward system where recipients are welcome, but not obligated, to donate toward the next pair.

“This is by far the best and most rewarding project I’ve ever done,” Anderson told the Pioneer Press. Her dedication is unwavering, even after ten years and thousands of hours spent knitting, packaging, and mailing each set by hand. The Busters Project is not just about filling a practical need—it’s about restoring dignity, femininity, and a sense of normalcy to women navigating life after breast cancer. The knitted bust forms are machine washable, seamless, and lightweight, offering a more comfortable and accessible alternative to conventional prosthetics.

What makes the Busters Project stand out is its deeply personal nature. Anderson insists that Busters are not products but presents—gifts from one survivor to another. The feedback she receives underscores the emotional impact of her work. “Thank you for helping me feel like a woman,” one recipient wrote. Others have shared that the Busters helped them feel “normal” or even “like a girl again.” These messages, Anderson says, are what keep her going.

I found this detail striking: Anderson is not looking to grow the Busters Project into a large commercial operation. Instead, she is seeking a small, dedicated team of experienced knitters to carry the mission forward. She emphasizes that this is not a project for hobbyists or casual crafters. The work demands technical expertise, consistency, and a deep respect for the women who will wear the finished pieces. “This is a serious operation because it solves a really serious problem,” she explained.

Anderson’s standards are high, and for good reason. The Busters must be uniform, comfortable, and made with care. She hopes to find six committed volunteers who can each produce two pairs per week and attend monthly meetings to coordinate materials and operations. Volunteers will be trained personally by Anderson in her home, learning the full process from knitting to stuffing to final inspection. Once trained, they will be able to work independently while maintaining the artisan quality that defines the Busters Project.

In addition to skilled knitters, Anderson is also looking for someone to take over the managerial aspects of the nonprofit. Ideally, this would be someone with small-business experience and a background in the arts, who can maintain the project’s website and ensure it remains true to its original mission. Anderson is adamant that the Busters Project should not be commercialized, as doing so would compromise both quality and intent.

For Anderson, who learned to knit during World War II from her mother and grandmother, this project is a culmination of a lifetime spent working with yarn. She founded Spin Shuttle Studio in 1971 to teach weaving and later developed her own patterns for hand knitting. After moving to California in 1982, she and her daughter ran a fiber arts business, selling handmade yarn and textiles. Her knowledge of textiles and commitment to quality craftsmanship are evident in every pair of Busters she creates.

Now back in Minnesota, Anderson believes she is in the right place to find the kind of knitters who can uphold her standards. “This is serious knitters country,” she said, noting that she struggled to find the same level of skill and dedication in California. She hopes to build a team that shares her passion and understands that this work is more than just knitting—it’s a form of advocacy, healing, and solidarity.

The Busters Project is a powerful example of how craft can be a force for good. It addresses a critical need with grace and humanity, offering survivors not just a physical solution but a reminder that they are seen, valued, and supported. As Anderson looks to pass the torch, she is not simply seeking volunteers—she is inviting others to join a movement rooted in empathy and excellence.

To learn more about the Busters Project or to get involved, visit spinshuttlestudio.com or contact Pat Anderson directly at spinshuttlestudio@gmail.com.

Read more at twincities.com