Kochi: Ratnam Teacher has fought every step of her life’s journey through struggle against indifference, rejection and denial of work. Even after retiring from her teaching career at 45, she continues that fight, this time to support women whose lives have been upended by breast cancer.

Today, she is dedicated to making artificial breasts for survivors who have undergone mastectomy.

“Just as many people donate hair for cancer patients, my mission is to help by making and giving artificial breasts,” she said.

Her prostheses are hand-sewn using synthetic cotton thread and filled with synthetic cotton, shaped to resemble the natural breast. Unlike sponges or artificial bras, which can cause allergies, her version is lightweight, safe and comfortable making it widely welcome. She says her greatest joy comes from receiving photos and messages from women sharing their happiness after using her prostheses.

Ratnam Teacher contracted polio at the age of two and a half, losing mobility in her hips and left leg. Undeterred, she pursued her education and earned a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). Though she struggled for years, working only in temporary teaching posts, she eventually secured a permanent position. After a decade of service, she retired and now continues her mission from home. Her goal, she says, is simple: to remain self-reliant and keep helping others.