How Ford’s SupportBelt is Helping Hundreds Recover from Breast Cancer Surgery

DUNTON, UK – For many recovering from breast cancer surgery, even something as everyday as wearing a seatbelt can be painful. That’s why Ford developed the SupportBelt™ - a soft, foam accessory that attaches to a car seatbelt to relieve pressure on the chest.

Designed by those who have themselves struggled with pain while driving after surgery, the SupportBelt's contoured, breathable shape reduces irritation, discomfort, and anxiety when travelling by car - whether as a driver or passenger.

Working with UK breast cancer support charities Flat Friends, the Sunshine Group, and Keeping Abreast, Ford has been distributing hundreds of SupportBelts across the country for free this year, and receiving voices from people who’ve used it not to drive again, but to get their lives back on the road.

Here’s what some of the users had to say about it.

Jacqueline, Keeping Abreast: “Well done Ford for actually making something that helps people as it’s hard enough going through all the surgery, etc. Being able to be a little bit more comfortable makes life a bit easier.”

Pauline, the Sunshine Group: “Mine is a game changer. I drive so much all over the country and it’s made such a difference. So comfy.”

Niamh, the Sunshine Group: “I’ve used mine now as a passenger and driver. It’s so comfortable. Thanks to Ford and the Sunshine Group for giving me this opportunity. It’s made such a difference to me getting back out and about.”

Carol, the Sunshine Group: “Fantastic, love it as a passenger and driver. No more looking out for police cars, because now I wear it the way it should be worn and it makes me feel safer when driving. Thank you to all those involved in developing this brilliant device.”

Mandy, Flat Friends UK: “After mastectomy and reconstructions I was too sore to drive and put off quite a few journeys instead. Not driving made me feel a bit isolated and reliant on others, which just added to my general sadness at the time. The SupportBelt was excellent - I certainly would have liked to have it through all my treatments.”

The idea was born from personal experience. Lynn Simoncini, a creative director at VML - a marketing partner of Ford, found herself in severe discomfort after undergoing a double mastectomy in 2022. The seatbelt’s tight pressure made even short car rides difficult. So, she sketched out a solution. What began as a personal project has now evolved into a medically-informed design developed by Ford engineers - and the result is the SupportBelt.

“The SupportBelt demonstrates the profound impact that thoughtful design can have on healing,” says Emily Obert, Ford experience design director, who guided the development of the original idea with the help of design intern Rima Shkoukani. To-date, it is the only solution of its kind to be both designed and validated by an automaker.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women in 157 countries, according to the World Health Organization. Ford hopes the SupportBelt will not only improve recovery journeys, but also encourage other companies to consider similar compassionate designs. A patent has been filed, and Ford intends to share the design more widely with the goal of making it accessible globally.