October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of prevention and early detection. Breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer among women, with 1 in 8 women in Greece facing a diagnosis during their lifetime. Worldwide, it affects around 12% of the female population.
With a strong sense of social responsibility, COCO-MAT launched the Pillow Positive Project 14 years ago; a simple but meaningful initiative that combines natural materials with our know-how to offer a small heart-shaped pillow with a big purpose.
This special pillow is designed to provide relief after mastectomy surgery: it eases pain, reduces swelling and protects the area of the incision. Beyond its functionality, it has become a symbol of care, comfort, and solidarity.
To date, more than 18.000 women in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and even beyond Europe, in Japan, have received a heart pillow through collaborations with over 20 oncology hospitals and organizations. In 2025, the project continues its journey, aiming to reach even more women around the world.
Highlights 2025
In 2025, over 2,000 heart-shaped pillows were donated through collaborations with hospitals and organizations worldwide.
In Greece, the collaboration with IASO Group expanded beyond Athens to include Larissa, while additional heart pillows were donated to the Center of Radiation Oncology and Radiosurgery at Iatropolis, further strengthening the network of care and support for women on their recovery journey.
At the same time, the Patras and Trikala stores supported breast cancer awareness and prevention initiatives, such as Pink the City organized by Alma Zois Achaia and the awareness event held by the Hellenic Cancer Society of Trikala.
In Cyprus, the Pillow Positive Project was implemented for the second consecutive year in collaboration with Europa Donna Cyprus and Alpha Bank Cyprus, offering heart pillows to women in post-surgery recovery.
In France, donations were extended to the Gustave Roussy and Institut Curie hospitals, while in the Netherlands, the collaboration with OLVG Oosterpark Hospital in Amsterdam continued, supporting patients with new heart pillow donations.
In Spain, the initiative was linked to the “Dialogues: Talking about breast cancer” event by AECC (Associació Contra el Càncer a Barcelona), hosted at our COCO-MAT store in Barcelona. The event brought together survivors, healthcare professionals, and supporters for an open discussion on awareness and recovery and marked the beginning of a new partnership with AECC for the official delivery of heart pillows to women during recovery.
Beyond Europe, the Pillow Positive Project continued to travel across the globe, with new donations to women in Japan and showing that support knows no boundaries.
What is the Pillow Positive heart pillow?
Made from 100% cotton fabric and filled with washable virgin wool, the heart pillow is offered in the first post-operative stage to support faster recovery. Its ergonomic heart shape allows women to place it comfortably under the arm, easing pain, minimizing swelling, and protecting the surgical area.
The pillows are available free of charge at all COCO-MAT stores worldwide for any woman who needs one. 💗
And always remember…
Prevention and early detection remain the most effective tools against breast cancer.
Don’t postpone your check-up or your appointment with your doctor.