Bree’s journey with chronic illness has been shaped by the strength of her community and the comfort of adaptive clothing. As a licensed therapist and patient, she has experienced firsthand the power of support in navigating difficult times
Continue reading to discover how Bree’s community and adaptive clothing have empowered her to navigate treatment with comfort and confidence.
The Importance of Community Support
Community support is essential in navigating difficult times, especially for those managing chronic illnesses. My support system—my village—includes family, friends, colleagues, and an incredible online community of fellow heart and chronic illness warriors. Their encouragement, prayers, and understanding remind me that I’m never alone in my journey.
As a licensed therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how vital community and connection are to emotional well-being. While I offer support to others, I also recognize the importance of receiving it. Knowing that I have people who genuinely care, listen, and uplift me makes a world of difference. In tough times, I rely on my faith, as well as the kindness and solidarity of my village, to stay grounded, resilient, and hopeful.
Finding Inspiration in the Care+Wear Community
I first heard about Care+Wear through Leah Javon (@chronically20something). When I was preparing for my first port procedure, I came across her page and found a wealth of knowledge on central line care. She shared valuable tips on keeping it clean and covered, which helped me feel more prepared.
I was surprised to learn about adaptive Port Access shirts, so I made my first purchase. However, after experiencing two failed port placements, I had a PICC line placed instead and switched to Arm Access shirts and PICC covers. Beyond the practical advice, Leah’s transparency and advocacy also inspired me to open up and share my own journey during my post-op complications and recovery. Her willingness to be vulnerable gave me the confidence to do the same.
The Role of Adaptive Clothing in Treatment
Wearing comfortable, accessible clothing is essential for treatment days, allowing me to focus on my health without added stress. Sitting through treatments for hours is already challenging—feeling restricted or uncomfortable only makes it worse.
Before I had adaptive clothing, I remember the hassle of removing multiple layers just to access my Port. It wasn’t just inconvenient; it often left me freezing in the infusion center, with my arms and chest exposed for long periods. Those small discomforts added unnecessary stress to an already difficult experience.
Now, I no longer have to worry about that. With adaptive clothing designed for treatment, I can stay warm, comfortable, and at ease while receiving care.
Daily Comfort with Care+Wear Products
Wearing Care+Wear products has greatly improved my comfort during treatment and recovery. These adaptive pieces support my medical needs while also allowing me to feel like myself.
I love having stylish shirt options and PICC cover colors that match my outfits, seamlessly transitioning between treatment and work. During my weekly PICC dressings, I wear my Arm Access shirt and always receive compliments from nurses and colleagues. The best part? The shirt blends right in! Unless I show them its functionality, they’d never know it’s adaptive wear.
It’s refreshing to have a product that prioritizes both function and style within the chronic illness community. Adaptive clothing isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about dignity, confidence, and comfort in every step of the journey.
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