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When breast cancer patient Cathy McGrath’s three young children visited her after surgery, they were frightened by the intravenous tubes attached to her body. That’s why McGrath invented the Jacki, a stylish alternative to the standard hospital gown that conceals post-surgical drains and allows patients to feel comfortable and less like a patient.
“This allows breast cancer patients to remain incognito,” McGrath said. “They can go to and from the hospital and feel good about how they look.”
The Jacki is a wrap-around gown with the looks of a blazer. It has velcro down the sleeves and sides, allowing patients to adjust it easily before and after exams. The small interior pockets lining the bottom are perfect for holding and hiding post-surgical drains.
Since its debut in 2001, the Jacki has become popular among breast cancer patients. Karen Flaherty, MSN, APRN-BC, nurse coordinator of the Breast Center, worked with McGrath to modify the Jacki. Through patient surveys and consultations, they learned what patients want. There are now Jackis for every season—fleece for the winter months, cotton for the summer, and wicking material, which helps adjust to fluctuating body temperatures, for every occasion.
Genentech, a leading biotech company, is helping to spread the word about the Jacki. Thanks to the San Francisco-based company’s generous grant, Jackis are now available at no cost to breast cancer patients at BWH. With Genentech’s continued support, doctors and nurses at BWH, Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will be able to offer a Jacki to every breast cancer patient.
“The Jacki offers patients emotional dignity and has helped make the surgical experience better for dozens of patients,” Mehra Golshan, MD, of Surgical Oncology, said.
For more information, visit www.thejacki.com