Cancer survivor invents jacket for cancer patients

“As I laid there in disbelief, I thought ‘there needs to be a better way’ and if I could figure it out, it could be my giveback. The loss of dignity and control was devastating. Then I designed a jacket to hold all drains, provide one-handed dressing, reduce pain, and restore dignity and independence. I called it the “Jacki.” It was everything the hospital Johnny was not, incognito, classic style with many unique features”, explained Cathy.

After her own battle with Breast Cancer, Cathy’s experienced the hardships of recovery first hand, prompting her to invent a solution for carrying on with life as best as possible following breast cancer surgery.

Alongside her friend and now Program Director, Maureen Cardinal, Cathy invented the Jacki Jacket providing A Little Easier Recovery for woman (and men) after their diagnosis. A Little Easier Recovery is a non-profit organization whose mission is to make it “A Little Easier” for the next person that must endure cancer treatment and recovery.

“When I was 40 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I woke from my third surgery with multiple post-surgical drains. These are extremely painful and hang from your incision site to collect fluid. The more fluid they collect the heavier and more painful they become. When I asked the nurse how best to manage these she said, ‘go to Home Depot and grab a tool belt”, said the inventor.

“We tested the Jacki in two top Boston hospitals and received rave reviews. It took off immediately and since the surgeons operate at more than one hospital they were taking them out of our test hospitals and bringing the Jacki’s to other patients who would clearly benefit. The program ignited to a movement from patient to patient, nurse to nurse, and doctor to doctor”, she added.

The recovery jacket helps improve post-op mobility and range of motion, allows easy access to IV lines, blood pressure readings, tests and injections, all while keeping the patient warm and comfortable. Called the Jacki, the garment is functional with unique, incognito post-surgical features that empower women recovering from mastectomy and reconstruction, helping restore dignity, independence, and their ability to hold on to normal life.

The Jacki has been an incredibly effective tool for the hundreds of patients who have already received a Jacki free of charge at the discretion of their nurses and surgeons.

Jacki is now available in 76 hospitals in 20 states.

More info: http://www.alittleeasierrecovery.org/

Adapted from: http://www.beyonce.com/a-little-easier-recovery/
https://vimeo.com/99375294