FAQs

About bcalmed

1. What is bcalmed?
bcalmed is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people recovering from breast cancer surgery. It provides the bcalmed bag, a wearable pouch for post-surgical drains, free of charge to patients. bcalmed also provides comfort cushions for healing.

2. Who founded bcalmed?
bcalmed was founded by breast cancer survivor Pam Kelsky and her best friend, Gaby Mann. After Pam's surgery in 2019, she found her drains hard to manage and hide. The two created the bcalmed bag so other patients could heal with more comfort and dignity.

3. How many bags has bcalmed given out?
bcalmed has delivered more than 31,000 bags to patients in the U.S. and internationally, all free of charge.

The bcalmed bag

4. What is a surgical drain bag?
A surgical drain bag is a wearable pouch that holds the drainage bulbs and tubing placed after surgery. It keeps drains secure and discreet, and it keeps them off your clothing, so you can move, rest and dress more comfortably while you heal.

5. What makes the bcalmed bag different?
The bcalmed bag is designed by a breast cancer survivor for breast surgery recovery. It has mesh compartments that hold each drain securely. It's worn under clothing, can be worn in the shower, and comes in 2- and 4-drain sizes. It is always free to patients.

6. Can I shower while wearing the bcalmed bag?
Yes. The bcalmed bag can be worn in the shower, so your drains stay supported and your hands stay free. Always follow your surgeon's instructions about when and how to shower after surgery. Ask your care team for guidance specific to your surgery.

7. Can I wear the bcalmed bag under my clothes?
Yes. The bag is designed to be worn discreetly under a shirt, so you don't have to pin drains to the outside of your clothing.

8. What sizes does the bcalmed bag come in?
The bcalmed bag comes in two sizes: one that holds up to 2 drains and one that holds up to 4.

9. Who can use the bcalmed bag?
The bcalmed bag is designed for patients recovering from breast cancer surgery, including mastectomy and lumpectomy. It can also help patients with drains after other breast and body procedures.

Getting a bag

10. How much does a bcalmed bag cost?
Nothing. The bcalmed bag is free of charge to patients. It is funded entirely by donations.

11. How do I request a free bcalmed bag?
Patients can request a bag directly through bcalmed.org. bcalmed also encourages asking your surgeon or breast care team whether they stock bcalmed bags and if not, if they can acquire one for you and other patients.

12. Can surgeons and hospitals order bcalmed bags?
Yes. Surgeons, hospitals and care teams can order bcalmed bags for their patients at bcalmed.org. We highly encourage care teams to provide the bags, as bcalmed can maximize the number of bags they can provide while reducing individual shipping costs.

Comfort cushions

13. What is a comfort cushion and how do I use it after breast surgery?
A comfort cushion is a soft pillow that protects tender incisions after breast surgery. It's often used under straps, while sleeping or during everyday movement. bcalmed provides comfort cushions to help patients heal more comfortably.

Living with drains

14. How long do surgical drains stay in after a mastectomy?
It varies, but drains often stay in for one to three weeks. Your surgeon will remove them once drainage slows to a safe level. A drain bag like the bcalmed bag can make that time easier to manage. Ask your care team for guidance specific to your surgery.

15. How can I sleep comfortably with surgical drains?
Many patients sleep on their back or in a recliner, with drains secured so they don't pull. Wearing a drain bag keeps tubing in place overnight, and a comfort cushion can ease pressure on tender areas. Ask your care team for guidance specific to your surgery.

Supporting bcalmed

16. How can I support bcalmed?
You can make a tax-deductible donation at bcalmed.org. Donations pay to produce and ship bags and comfort cushions to patients and care teams. bcalmed also has several fundraisers throughout the year, including charity walks and our bcalmed off-Broadway event featuring Mandy Gonzalez that is on April 16, 2027.

17. Where does my donation go?
100% of bcalmed's proceeds go to producing and distributing bcalmed bags. No salaries are paid with donations. bcalmed has been awarded the Broward Center for Nonprofit Excellence and also the Platinum Transparency 2026 by Candid.