Pool allows topless cancer survivor Pool allows topless cancer survivor ADVERTISING SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle breast cancer survivor whose breasts were surgically removed has gained the permission to swim topless at a city pool. But Jodi Jaecks wants to
Pool allows topless cancer survivor
SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle breast cancer survivor whose breasts were surgically removed has gained the permission to swim topless at a city pool.
But Jodi Jaecks wants to make sure her privilege is also extended to other breast cancer survivors who want to swim comfortably.
“When I heard about the reversal, I was elated. Then it came that it wasn’t a policy change, it was just an exception for me. Then I was quite deflated,” the 47-year-old said Thursday.
Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Christopher Williams announced Wednesday that he was giving Jaecks an exception to the department’s clothing policy.
After enduring two surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy and the surgical removal of both her breasts in March 2011, Jaecks wanted to turn to swimming to regain her strength. But swimsuit tops proved too uncomfortable, and nerves on her chest remained tender, Jaecks said.
So she asked the manager at her city pool if she could swim topless this past March. Eventually, she heard from the head of the aquatics department, who said she couldn’t.
“And that’s when they said it was a policy that they required gender-appropriate clothing … regardless if I had nipples or whatever,” Jaecks said.
Potter said pool staff was following city policy. But she said it was “unfortunate” the issue didn’t get to Williams’ attention until now.
Jaecks hasn’t swum topless yet. She is planning a swim Monday. Her exception extends only to adult lap hours.
She plans to meet with Williams next week and ask that her exception be extended to anyone who survived breast cancer.
Jaecks said cancer patients shouldn’t be made to feel self-conscious by asking for special permission.
