Phoebe Boutique Cancer Care Coordinator and Cancer Survivor Inspires Hope for Breast Cancer Patients

Albany, GA | October 13, 2025 – For Monique Wilson, as the Cancer Care Coordinator for the Phoebe Cancer Center Boutique it’s more than a job; it’s a calling rooted in compassion, survival, and purpose.

Wilson, a nine-year breast cancer survivor, understands firsthand the emotional and physical journey the patients she serves face. Diagnosed in July 2016 with stage one breast cancer, she underwent surgery and radiation therapy and continues to take medication as part of her survivorship journey. Today, she uses that personal experience to help other women heal and rediscover confidence.

“This boutique is more than a shop. It’s a place of compassion and hope. When women come in, many are struggling with how they look and feel after surgery. But when they leave, they smile again. They see themselves again,” Wilson said.

Located inside the Phoebe Cancer Center, the boutique offers pre and post-surgical bras, breast prostheses, camisoles, compression sleeves and socks, wigs, turbans, scarves, and other specialty accessories for patients before and after surgery and treatment. Products are medically approved and classified as durable medical equipment (DME), meaning many items are covered by insurance. Patients without insurance are also welcome to purchase items directly.

“What makes us unique is that we don’t just sell products; we provide personalized fittings and emotional support. Because I’ve been through it, I understand their fears, their frustrations, and their hopes. When they walk through these doors, they’re not just getting a bra or prosthesis. They’re getting compassion,” said Wilson.

Each patient’s fitting begins with an in-depth consultation and measurement, often before surgery, so Wilson can track changes and ensure the best possible post-surgery fit. “When they try on their prosthesis and look in the mirror, they light up. They say, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s me again.’ That’s what this is all about,” said Wilson.

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the boutique is hosting a special sale every other Thursday (October 16 and October 30) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Patients and survivors can purchase post-mastectomy bras, camisoles, wigs, prefabricated prostheses, and compression socks at discounted prices. The goal, Wilson said, is to raise awareness about the boutique’s services and ensure that more women across Southwest Georgia know where to find the support they deserve.

Wilson, who has worked at Phoebe for 20 years, dedicated her career to serving patients in many roles – from her early days as a secretary and later in revenue management, to now managing the boutique. She recently earned her certification as a Certified Mastectomy Fitter and the boutique is accredited through the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABCOP).

Her personal journey to Phoebe began decades ago. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Wilson and her husband Fred moved to Albany in 2005 with their son, Josh after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. At the time, Fred worked for Continental Airlines, and the family made the decision to relocate for a fresh start.

“Moving here was one of the best decisions we made. Phoebe became not just a workplace, but a family,” said Wilson.

That statement is true in more ways than one. Fred and Josh both work for Phoebe as well. Fred is well-known throughout Phoebe and works in Transport as a ‘Red Coat’, and Josh works in the Operating Room as an anesthesia technician.

“It’s truly a family affair. When I walk through the halls, I might hear my son yell, ‘Ma!’ and I tell him we are at work, and at work I am ‘Monique’,” said Wilson with a smile.

Wilson and her husband are also active breast cancer advocates, traveling all over the country to share their story and champion early detection and survivorship. In the future, she hopes to expand the boutique’s physical space and offerings to include customized prostheses that are digitally scanned and designed for each patient’s body.

“They can even be personalized with tattoo designs or artwork, it’s all about giving each woman something made just for her. “My goal is to give back that beauty, self-confidence, and hope. When patients walk out of here, I want them to feel whole again,” said Wilson.

The Phoebe Cancer Center Boutique is open to both insured and self-paid customers and is located inside the Phoebe Cancer Center.

For more information about the boutique or the October sale, call 229-312-4012 or visit phoebehealth.com.