A dream shared by four women, whose health had been adversely affected by silicone gel implants, became a reality in January, 1992, when they founded Breast Implant Line of Canada as a non-profit organization. Its purpose was to educate themselves and others about breast implants. Darlene, Jean, Annemarie and Joyce knew how many questions they had about these devices and how few medical or other sources were able to give them answers or advice. Darlene and Annemarie were unable to continue with the group due to family commitments and Alexandra was welcomed on board.
In August of 1992 Breast Implant Line of Canada was incorporated in Ontario with a Federal Charitable Tax Registration Number (092091-09). Our funding needs for expenses such as regular newsletters, postage and telephone costs are met by an annual $30 membership fee. We receive no grants. The Line in our name referred to the telephone line made available to women at a time when the implants had just been taken off the Canadian market. Then, as now, there was a lot of controversy over the safety of the implants. The number - 416-636-6618 - has remained the same ever since.
In the early years the members met frequently as a sisterhood at the B.I.L. address, (56 Touraine Ave., North York, M3H 1R2) to share information, resources, watch videos on implants and help each other in many ways as a support group. Most made the decision, because of many and varied health problems, to have their implants removed. A newsletter, edited by the President, S. Joyce Attis, is circulated quarterly with the latest available information on the subject.
