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.”

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. I was thinking what would Princess Di or Jackie O wear if they have to endure this post mastectomy trauma. 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.

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 Jackis to other patients who would clearly benefit. The program ignited to a movement from patient to patient, nurse to nurse, and doctor to doctor.

We know nothing is easy about this cancer diagnosis. The Jacki is now available with insurance reimbursement, with a prescription from your Doctor or nurse practitioner. The insurance code is L8015. We are honored to help these amazing women and men fighting not only for their lives…but their lives back.