Volunteer Highlight: Dale Arriaga (Tucson, AZ)

I have been involved with Knitted Knockers as both a recipient and a volunteer since 2017.  I am a 71 year old retired Nurse and Sunday school teacher. I have been fighting tumors since I was in my 20’s, and it seems my journey with tumors and health issues will continue. My three sisters have also all had breast cancer and mastectomies.

In 2008, I had a mastectomy, but discovered that I couldn’t wear silicone prosthetics due to my sensitive skin and the Arizona climate. A lady at church told me about knockers and how much she loved them. I found Knitted Knockers to be lighter, more comfortable, and I can make myself many different designs and have fun with them. After I received my first pair, I knew I wanted to get involved with this organization.

We are Knitted Knockers Tucson, a small group of four, but WOW, what a group! Two of the ladies knit and two crochet. We supply the state of Arizona and help other states when needed. We support four clinics, including the Arizona Oncology offices in town. We have mailed out over 1,800 in Arizona so far, and have never run out of knockers, thanks to these three volunteers. I could not do this without them. They are true angels, helping women they don’t know feel confident, comfortable, and whole.

Knitted Knockers is the greatest organization ever! All the volunteers I have met are simply amazing.  They became lifelong friends, even though we live far apart. The Knitted Knocker cruises we have been on together have been some of the highlights of my life.

I do many events to educate others about Knitted Knockers.  When I do events, women are constantly telling me what a difference these knockers have made for them. I do a TV interview every year in Tucson, and people come up to me on the street and tell me what an amazing gift it was to receive their knockers. I even had a husband get a pair for his wife. He said she hadn’t been out of the house since her surgery, but after receiving the knockers, she started living again. I have never been so proud and honored to belong to any group.

My fight with cancer continues, but being a Knitted Knockers volunteer helps me to focus on something other than my own issues. It gives me joy and a purpose.

A fun side note from our founder, Barb: 

The first time I met Dale in person was on the first Knitted Knockers cruise in 2019.  I wore my “googly” eye glasses that are supposed to prevent seasickness. Dale pulled me aside and said, “Oh honey, I am so sorry but you have had too much to drink!” LOL She is such a hoot.

Dale is always ready to share the story about Knitted Knockers. She has always said, “Yes!” when asked to display information at events, share with medical teams and even travel great distances to spread the word. She has impacted more lives than we will ever know with her love and giving heart. She and her hubby, Rudy have made a huge difference in my life, and l truly believe Knitted Knockers would not be where it is today without her.

From all of us at Knitted Knockers…Thank you, Dale! We look forward to celebrating your 10 year anniversary with you and appreciate everything you have done to help Knitted Knockers!