Kate Rubien

Kate Rubien has been fitting ladies with breast prostheses, surgical bras and cranial prosthesis since 1988. She has worked and fit ladies in various different environments such as: surgical stores and the Breast Health Center inside hospital boutiques. She also worked for an orthotic and prosthetic company as the Director of Mastectomy services for 17 locations, Amoena's NY/NJ sales representative, Nordstrom's Northeast Prosthesis/Fit coordinator of 18 stores.

Kate was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August 2004. She had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation. This occurred 16 years into her career as a certified mastectomy fitter. She wears partials, and understands the feelings her client's are going through. 

31 years ago, she started fitting ladies for their breast prosthesis in a back fit room of a surgical store. The same room where one would be fit for a back brace, elbow brace, orthotics, and surgical stockings.  "Presently I love my life fitting my ladies at Underneath It All. Now I fit my ladies in a Laura Ashley feminine boutique located right on 5th Ave in Manhattan for all their post surgical needs." 

Aranae Crump is Product and Office Manager.   

Hi, my name is Aranae. Although I am not a breast cancer survivor, I stood by mom through her journey. I was twelve years old and about to graduate eighth grade, when she got diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. I found out that she had breast cancer by overhearing her phone conversation. At twelve years old, what do you do with that information? Do you tend to her or do you respect her wanting to be discreet until she is ready?

A week went by, which turned into Thanksgiving Eve. My dad relied the news that she had breast cancer, but wanted to be discreet about it; so, I can focus on graduating eighth grade. 

It was hard being twelve years old and wanting to do more for your mom..

I wish I was able to drive, and I wish I was able to attend to her every need. I wanted to do anything that made her happy, so her pain would be relieved. But really how can, any amount of money or any material item assuage what she was feeling?  But I knew I was capable of being there for her. She was home for nine months going through chemotherapy and radiation. I would come straight home after school every day.  Even though my family was able to be by her side when she needed it, it still made me feel like I wasn’t doing much for her. Nothing felt like enough for her. 

During her journey, through the emotional hardships she was comfortable talking and opening up to me. Being ignorant to the fact that being by her side was one of the richest moments she needed. 

Five years later, I began to work at Underneath It All. It’s been three years, and being in business helped me heal what I never thought was wounded. Understanding that most Pink Ladies just want you to take the time and listen to them. We have two ears and one mouth; sometimes we have to close ours to listen.