As the world’s leading intimates retailer, supporting the health and well-being of women is paramount to our associates, our community and our business. One of the greatest threats to women’s health globally is cancer – the most common of which is breast cancer. That’s why we’re continuously committed to supporting and funding critical research, providing volunteer opportunities for our associates and building meaningful partnerships throughout the year.

 

Associate Resources and Benefits

Through our associate intranet, we offer a Breast Cancer Awareness page to provide associates with resources for early screening and detection, education on signs and symptoms and easy-to-understand information about VS&Co benefits to support them and their loved ones.

We offer a variety of resources for associates to proactively advocate for their health through our benefits program including no cost preventative mammogram services within our medical plans. 

To further comfort and support of our associates during a cancer diagnosis, we offer resources to help associates get care and support through every step of their journey, including finding qualified in-network doctors, arranging second opinions, explaining treatment options and more.

Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers

In 2021, we established The Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers in partnership with longstanding partner, Pelotonia. With an initial commitment of $10 million to fund innovative research, this groundbreaking initiative will fund innovative research projects aimed at progressing treatments and cures for women’s cancers and investing in the next generation of women scientists who represent the diverse population they serve. Annual grants will be awarded to individual scientists or research “dream teams” who are collaborating across institutions.

Hear from Christy Tostevin, Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Relations at VS&Co, who shares more about this groundbreaking initiative and learn more about The Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers here.

 

 

Our Mastectomy Bra

In 2021, we introduced our first-ever bra to support the thousands of women who undergo mastectomies each year, The Body by Victoria Mastectomy. The Body by Victoria Mastectomy bra has a soft, comfortable design and pockets at the inner lining, allowing for prosthetic inserts.

In 2022, we launched two new pink shades for customers with plans to roll out Mastectomy Bra donations through our VS&Co Essentials Program both domestically and abroad in 2023.

Additionally, we’re working continuing our partnership with Susan G. Komen to help eliminate barriers to care for individuals and communities experiencing health inequalities. Our 2022 donation of $300,000 will support:

• Screening and diagnostic services for people who have insufficient health insurance coverage or no insurance at all
• Increased access to genetic counseling and testing services in historically marginalized communities
• Education around risk factors, screening guidelines, and how to advocate for your health

We’re also providing support internationally with $25,000 donation to the Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity, headquartered in London. This organization offers practical and emotional support to women across the U.K. Our contribution will help operate their Bra Room—a unique space where women post-surgery can speak to expert bra fitters about their needs—for an additional three days per month.

Pelotonia

We’ve also donated $21 million to innovative cancer research over the last 12 years through our longstanding partnership with Pelotonia. One hundred percent of funds raised for the Pelotonia community are invested in a variety of initiatives annually, summarized best by the following priorities:

• Enhanced Treatments and Therapies: Pelotonia dollars help attract and retain the best talent in cancer research to explore high-impact breakthroughs that make cancer treatment less toxic and more effective.
• The Next Generation of Research Talent: Pelotonia's Fellowship Program empowers young innovators across academic fields and disciplines to pursue a career in cancer research.
• Immuno-Oncology: Pelotonia pioneered a landmark investment to launch the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology.
• Prevention and Early Diagnosis: Pelotonia funds initiatives that aim to save lives before cancer strikes through prevention and early detection methods.

Susan G. Komen Support

For more than 20 years, we have been a leading corporate supporter of the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk® and Race for the Cure® series of events. Together, we’re working to ensure that breakthrough discoveries continue, and that people facing breast cancer receive the care they need to live longer, better lives. 

VS&Co associates across the country, along with their immediate family members, are eligible to receive free registration to a MORE THAN PINK Walk® or Race for the Cure® event happening in their area. In 2022, VS&Co paid registration fees and supported more than 1,000 associates in participating in these events. 

Additionally, we donated $300,000 in 2022 to help eliminate barriers to care for individuals and communities experiencing health inequalities, which supported: 

• Screenings and diagnostic services for people who have insufficient health insurance coverage or no insurance at all
• Access to genetic counseling and testing services in historically marginalized communities
• Education around risk factors, screening guidelines, and how to advocate for your health

International Cancer Support

We’re also providing support internationally with $25,000 donation to the Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity, headquartered in London. This organization offers practical and emotional support to women across the U.K. Our contribution will help operate their Bra Room—a unique space where women post-surgery can speak to expert bra fitters about their needs—for an additional three days per month.

Through the VS&Co Foundation, we also support the Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation in India to provide subsidized or free treatment to women suffering from cancer. Through Breast Cancer Network Vietnam, we support the manufacturing and distribution of affordable mastectomy bras and breast forms to middle- and low-income patients. And, with our partner BasicNeeds Vietnam, we provide psychosocial support for female patients receiving cancer treatment. 

We are proud of our associates’ participation and dedication to advancing these efforts, and we are honored to leverage our contributions and resources to instill lasting change. Together, we hope to empower survivors and help find a cure.