Sisters' firm fashions outfits for breast cancer
survivors
By KATHRYN McKENZIE NICHOLS
Herald Correspondent
Article Last Updated: 10/31/2008 09:09:02 AM PDT
Breast cancer, a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and
radiation would be tough for any woman to endure. But
for Katherine Adams, the experience was transformative,
inspiring her to launch a new business that will help
others going down the same path.
Adams, a Los Gatos resident, and her sister, Susan
Baxter of Carmel Valley, have formed a line of clothing
made with breast cancer patients in mind. Their
Confident Clothing Co., headquartered in Carmel Valley,
sells caps and comfortable tops, pants and capri pants.
It's clothing with a few very important differences,
though. Because Adams, 52, had been through all of
breast cancer treatment's indignities, she knew exactly
what was needed.
"They send you home with all these drains, and no
suggestions on what to do with them," said Adams.
So her Cool Chemo Tops have special channel guides and
buttoned-in pockets within to hold the drains, which
draw off excess lymphatic fluid that accumulates after a
mastectomy. Once the drains are no longer needed, the
pockets can be easily removed.
"It was a really easy solution to the dreadful drains,"
said Baxter, 60. "There's nothing else like it on the
market."
Specific needs
The genesis of all this was Adams' diagnosis of stage
III breast cancer in May 2006. A fitness coach for 13
years, she was determined to exercise as much as she
could during her treatment. But the cotton caps
available for chemo patients made her head sweat.
"I cut up some
exercise clothing, and a girlfriend sewed it into caps
for me," said Adams, whose improvised caps allowed her
to work out in comfort.
Adams realized that breast cancer patients had other
specific clothing needs that weren't being met, leading
to her Cool Chemo line of clothing.
Because all the items are made of a material that wicks
moisture away from the body, they're ideal for exercise
or for making patients more comfortable if they are
subject to hot flashes, a common side effect of surgery
and chemotherapy. The smooth material is easier on
sensitive areas healing after surgery.
The pants have elastic waistbands, and the tops button
in the front, which makes them easy to put on or remove,
important for people who are recovering from procedures.
In addition, the tops are styled so it's not obvious if
mastectomy patients are wearing a prosthesis or not.
"This gives the option of whether to wear it. ... I
hated those things," said Adams, who has since had
reconstructive surgery.
The clothing is suited to anyone with limited mobility,
or conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's
disease, because of its easy-access features. The
clothing is offered in black and navy, and more colors
are planned for the future. The caps come in several
different color combinations.
Because of Adams' background in fitness, it was
important for her to have clothing she could exercise
in.
"I knew that exercise would help not only physically,
but also mentally" during treatment, said Adams, who
wants to develop an exercise program for breast cancer
patients.
Even while she was undergoing chemo, she still managed
to run the Big Sur Half Marathon. She's planning to do
it again this year.
Beyond that, though, Adams wants the clothing to be
fashionable and feminine.
"We're now in the process of trademarking and patenting
the clothing," said Baxter.
Sister steps in
Baxter got involved after it was obvious that Adams'
desire to launch the business was exceeding her energy
level.
The sisters, who come from a family of seven siblings,
have always been close.
"I needed a way of helping," said Baxter, adding that
she felt helpless watching her sister go through the
medical procedures. "It just made perfect sense to me."
Baxter became the company's vice president of sales and
marketing, in addition to her day job with Coldwell
Banker in Carmel. Adams is founder and president.
There was a lot to figure out. It was important to them
to find material made in the United States, as well as a
U.S. manufacturer. They had to develop a Web site with
the capability to take orders
(www.confidentclothingcompany.com) and needed to get the
word out to doctors and other medical professionals.
The response so far has been enthusiastic among those
they've talked to, including oncologists and plastic
surgeons. They have a board of advisers that gives
input. They've involved other cancer patients, like Erin
O'Connor Morrison of Carmel, a two-time breast cancer
survivor who models their clothing for the Web site and
brochure.
The sisters are dealing with health insurance companies,
trying to convince them that the clothing is considered
therapeutic garments and are a necessary medical expense
that should be covered. Medicare and a number of other
insurance providers are willing to pay for two
therapeutic garments a year.
Cost of the clothing items ranges from $29.95 for the
caps to $129.95 for the chemo top.
The company is about to ship its first orders, fittingly
during the end of National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month.
Baxter points out that 211,000 women are diagnosed each
year with breast cancer, and although medical
researchers are closer to finding a cure, it still is
elusive.
"I really wanted to help other women go through the
journey more easily than I did," said Adams. "That's
really important to me."
