Hospitals can also be an uncomfortable, scary and isolating place – especially for children. This was true for Jason Sotiris and his family. So, in order to create a sliver of comfort for his daughter while she fought cancer, he worked to create a hospital garment made especially for children, with a superhero design to bring a smile to sick kids’ faces … but young patients in Canberra are missing out.
Jason’s daughter Angela was diagnosed with cancer when she was just a year old. While in hospital, Jason noticed she would become distressed when her clothes tangled up in the lines attached to her tiny body. While comforting her, a genuis idea sparked, and his brainchild became a reality: the Supertee.
“The idea for the Supertee came to me while comforting my daughter Angela, who was being treated for a cancer called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, and I felt helpless not being able to do the simple task of putting clean clothes on her with IV drips, chest monitor cables and central lines making it impossible,” said Jason.
The garment has openings under the arms for thermometer access, is PET scan and MRI friendly, and has press studs evenly spaced for bypass tubes and lines.
“But more than that, Supertee encourages children into the world of imaginative play, which is a wonderful gift for a child in the sometimes distressing and often long hours spent in hospital,” said Jason.
He has partnered with Disney, and children can now wear the Marvel Edition Supertee, along with watching a special message from Hollywood stars Chris Hemsworth and Brie Larson.
While the Supertee is given free of charge to children in hospitals all over Australia, businesses and community groups are relied upon to cover the costs of each garment – and it’s been 12 months since kids at Canberra hospital have had a delivery.
To help fund the Supertee reaching local kids, IT Company Netier are running a “SweatIT 4 Supertee” fitness challenge at Brindabella Business Park tomorrow, Thursday 27 October 4.30-6.30pm.
Jason’s dream is to be able to give a Supertee to every child who needs one, so 100 per cent of the money raised on Thursday will go straight to funding this plan.
“So far, more than 13,000 Supertees have made their way into hospitals around Australia giving already brave children additional courage, but our dream is to help bring out the Captain America and Captain Marvel in all children in hospital,” said Jason.
More details on the “SweatIT 4 Supertee” fitness challenge:
When: Thursday 27 October 4.30-6.30pm
Where: Town Square Oval, Brindabella Business Park
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