The "Jacki" has been a true gift for my patients who have received one. They have told me what a difference it has made in the recovery from such a traumatic experience."
Mehra Golshan, MD FACS Department of Surgical Oncology
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Brigham & Womens Hospital
Harvard Medical School
"Each and every patient who used this product found it to be a useful and comforting item when comfort is otherwise at a minimum. The long hours spent waiting in drafty rooms wearing only a thin hospital johnny can make patients feel even worse than they already do. It robs them of their dignity..."
"As the Nurse Coordinator at the center, I feel the Jacki needs to be a standard intervention in the care plan of patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer."
Cate Mullen, RN MSN AOCNS Nurse Coordinator, Breast Health Center
Tufts Medical Center Boston
Our patients who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer use the Jacki’s and are provided with a level of normalization to their lives. All patients are given the opportunity to obtain a Jacki, allowing them to maintain some dignity during a very emotional and exposing time.
Suzanne Rondinelli, RN, BSN, MSN
Practice Manager, Division of Surgical Oncology
Baystate Medical Center
Either before or on the day of surgery, we present women undergoing a mastectomy with a Jacki. This has proven to be a tremendous relief to these women who are dealing with body image changes. The Jacki’s are not only practical in holding drains, but stylish too. In addition, women feel comforted emotionally.
Kathy Hart, RN, BSN Patient Care Coordinator
Women’s Imaging at Berkshire Medical Center
I am thrilled that you have received a Genentech grant to supply several of the area hospitals with the 'Jacki'. Women have found them very valuable in helping them feel as comfortable as possible after their breast surgery. In fact, most go on to wear them even after the immediate post-operative period.
Judi Hirschfield-Bartek, RN MS OCN Nurse Specialist, Breast Care Center
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
It is often the little things that make such a difference to the patients after they receive their diagnosis. I can tell you that when I deliver the Jacki gown to the patient in her room, there is a huge sense of relief. Patients feel the gown helps them manage the 3-4 drains they have in place, helps them get around better managing their cumbersome care, which leads to more active patients. The more active the patient, the faster they heal, limiting the amount of blood clots, and other post operative complications. It really makes them feel as they are a part of something larger, cared for by more than just their team, but also supported by a foundation. I really see a difference in patient’s sense of self esteem and improved mobility with the Jacki.
Mary Jane Houlihan, M.D., Breast Surgeon
Valerie Staradub, M.D., Breast Surgeon
Martha Kleinerman, NP
Christine Edgerton, NP
Lisa Arvine, NP
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
This program is essential, helping these women better navigate to know they can do it, how they can do it, and they are not alone. A Little Easier Recovery affects not only their confidence and strength, but also impacts the lives of the caregivers and loved ones. A Little Easier Recovery is a program any sponsor would be proud to support, helping women and men who need it most at such a critical time.
Maria M. Semnack,
RN Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
As part of the pre-operative teaching session, patients were given a Jacki to use after their surgery. The reviews were enthusiastic. They found the garment to be comfortable, warm and aethestically pleasing to wear. Our surgeons are as enthusiastic about this product as the nursing staff and the patients.
Karen Flaherty, MSN, APRN-BC
Nurse Manager
Comprehensive Breast Health Center
Brigham & Womens Hospital
The time of diagnosis and anticipation of the surgical procedure to address their breast cancer is fraught with worry and anxiety for patients. Being able to have a garment that helps them to feel more normal and better able to care for themselves in the post-op period is very important to their psychological well being.
Karen Flaherty, MS APRN BC, Nurse Director
Katharine J. Carter, M.D., Breast Surgeon
Mary Knust- Graichen, MS, FNP-C
Esther Rhei, M.D.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
We have been excited to introduce these garments to our patients who are undergoing breast surgery. So far the response from the patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Along with compassionate care and advanced medical treatments, we are happy to be able to offer additional assistance, such as the Jacki, that make a difference in our patients’ everyday lives.
Mary Ellen Walsh
Director, Cancer Care Program
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
I can not express how wonderful this program is, across all corners the response has been a resounding "YES" to the Jacki. In treating women with breast cancer, I can say that the dignity and care of my patients is my highest priority. The Jacki has allowed for the women to maintain their dignity during this most difficult of times. This program addresses a unique unmet need beginning with patients that need extensive surgery, and addresses both the physical as well as emotional trauma that breast cancer patients endure. We all know this is an unfair fight, but we all know that with empowering tools we help make it all a ‘little easier’.
Mehra Golshan, MD, F.A.C.S.
Director of Breast Surgical Services, DFCI/BWH Cancer Center
We have had enthusiastic support from our surgeons, oncologists, nurses, and case managers. This Jacki is well designed. It incorporates pockets for multiple drains and Velcro sleeves for easy IV use. The fabric is light and absorbent, a great feature for warm hospital rooms. Patients can wear this garment from hospitalization through treatments of chemotherapy and radiation.
Women have expressed a sense of empowerment, dignity and restored hope because someone cared enough to design a product especially for their recovery.
Anne McManus, APRN, BC, AOCN
Anne McManus, NP, MS, AOCN
Breast Centre
Faulkner Hospital
This dedicated and inspirational non-profit agency has reached out to local patients in need of this program. When faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, many are worried about the costs of treatment and follow-up care, and receipt of a free Jacki helps to make their recovery “a little easier.” We are extremely grateful to this program for reaching out to GLFHC, recognizing the unique challenges that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis, and working with our staff to ensure that our patients in need receive as much support as possible. We feel that this is a viable, innovative program.
Robert J. Ingala
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Inc.
Patients often do not know what to use to manage their drains and how to carry them about during recovery and having the Jacki gown for Chemo treatments gives them a comfortable, attractive solution of what to wear when they go to their treatment center. I have received tremendous feedback from the ladies that have enjoyed the pleasure of having one of these gowns. They have mentioned their comfort in terms of ease in access to their ports, the warmth they provide and the dignity of having a garment that offers multiple solutions during the post-op period. Women experience so many hardships during treatment and having a free, special jacket that makes them feel secure is a small but meaningful gesture during a very trying time in their lives.
Marsha Schmit, RN BSN
Breast Nurse Navigator
Hurley Medical Center
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