Mary Catherine Scott understood firsthand how overwhelming life can feel after a mastectomy.

After her radical mastectomy in the 1970s, she experienced the frustration that so many women faced at the time—trying to find a high-quality breast prosthesis, supportive swimwear, and beautiful lingerie in one place. There simply wasn’t a store that carried the best options with dignity and compassion. As Mary Catherine put it, women were too often left with “flannel Mother Hubbard nightgowns” when they deserved to feel confident, feminine, and cared for.

With the unwavering support of her husband and seven children, Mary Catherine opened her first boutique—right from her dining room—at the age of 55. Determined to truly understand women’s needs, she even took a job at Nordstrom to learn more about fit, service, and what customers were looking for.

Mary Catherine quickly realized the solution was not a large department store—it was something more personal: a smaller, specialized shop with certified fitters, compassionate staff, and the highest quality products available.

In 1978, Mary Catherine’s opened its first location in Portland, Oregon. Four years later, a Seattle location followed. As the business grew, Mary Catherine remained committed to making her shop accessible to women of all income levels—helping customers navigate insurance, and connecting those in need with donated prostheses through the Reach for Recovery program.

Over the years, the shop has been home to countless stories—some touching, some funny, and all deeply human. One grandmother once returned for a replacement prosthesis after her grandson found hers and took a big bite out of it. Another customer decided it was time to upgrade from her homemade prosthesis after an unforgettable airport security moment—she had weighted her own creation with buckshot.

Today, Mary Catherine’s is still proudly family-owned and operated. With certified, experienced fitters and a carefully curated selection of breast prostheses, compression garments, intimate apparel, and more, we continue to offer exactly what Mary Catherine envisioned: a welcoming, supportive space where women can find what they need—while feeling respected, confident, and cared for.