AnaOno Spotlighted on WHYY: Redefining Intimates for Survivors
In a powerful segment on WHYY’s “You Oughta Know,” Philadelphia-based brand AnaOno and founder Dana Donofree were featured in “Designer’s Redesign Gives Women Options After Breast Cancer.” The interview—anchored by Shirley Min—shares Dana’s personal journey, AnaOno’s groundbreaking design philosophy, and the brand’s impact on the post-cancer recovery community.
From Diagnosis to Design
Dana was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 27 and underwent a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, and reconstruction.
Despite her background in fashion design, she found no bras comfortable for her altered body. “Not being able to find a bra that fit my reconstructed body was really debilitating to my everyday life” she shared.
Gathering inspiration from her own recovery, Dana created AnaOno in 2014 to fill this void.
Watch the full story here.
“Chest-Inclusive” by Nature
AnaOno’s mantra: “Two boobs, one boob, no boobs, or new boobs. We’re here to support you.”
Key design features highlighted in the WHYY interview include:
- Drain-safe bras with removable pockets to secure surgical drains immediately post-op
- Wire-free, easy-to-step-into styles with front closures—no irritation for healing incision areas and low range of motion
- Soft, flexible fabrics that adjust across different stages: from reconstruction to reclaiming one’s body
This thoughtful approach creates a true continuum of care — from surgery recovery through long-term wellbeing.
Empowering Through Experience
The segment isn’t just about clothes—it’s about confidence and self-esteem. Dana emphasizes how feeling comfortable and “pretty” again can transform lives. She has also taken AnaOno public: featuring survivors in New York Fashion Week and the I Am campaign, spotlighting real women redefining beauty — scars and all.
Why WHYY Covered AnaOno
As part of You Oughta Know, WHYY sought to highlight local change makers—and Dana fit the profile perfectly. Combining entrepreneurship, design, and empathy, she’s reshaping the post-cancer experience in Philadelphia and beyond
About AnaOno & Dana Donofree
AnaOno was founded in 2014 in Philadelphia, PA, by fashion designer Dana Donofree. The brand’s mission is to support individuals navigating life after breast surgery or reconstruction by creating truly inclusive lingerie that prioritizes both comfort and beauty. Dana, who earned her degree in fashion design and worked in New York City prior to her breast cancer diagnosis, drew on her professional experience to develop garments that meet the unique needs of survivors and thrivers. Beyond its product line, AnaOno actively partners with nonprofits such as Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Metavivor, extending its impact through advocacy and community support. The company’s designs are now available through major retailers including Soma, Nordstrom, and Victoria’s Secret, broadening access to post-surgical intimates. Known for its groundbreaking runway shows featuring breast cancer survivors and campaigns that celebrate body diversity and self-acceptance, AnaOno continues to redefine what it means to feel confident and beautiful after a cancer diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
Dana’s story reminds us that necessity truly is the mother of innovation. By transforming her personal challenge into a mission, she’s not only created bras — she’s built a movement. Feeling at home in her own skin after cancer is a radical act of healing, and AnaOno is helping make that possible.
Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or ally, AnaOno's philosophy echoes a universal truth: all bodies deserve beauty, comfort, and dignity.
