URGENT UPDATE: Little Ava O’Kelly, just four years old, is now able to embrace her passion for dance while bravely battling leukemia, thanks to a revolutionary new hospital garment designed by Supertee. This ballerina-themed medical outfit allows Ava to feel like a princess even during her toughest treatments, marking a significant milestone in pediatric care.
Ava, who was the first child in Western Australia to receive the Supertee ballerina outfit, has faced numerous challenges during her treatment. The Telethon-funded initiative will provide over 1,500 Supertees to children in WA hospitals over the next year, helping to bring comfort and joy during difficult times.
The unique design of the Supertee includes side and top openings, facilitating easy access for medical staff while allowing children to maintain a sense of normalcy. Ava’s mother, Lucy O’Kelly, shared the emotional impact of this garment: “When she’s going through lumbar punctures and bone marrow tests, a t-shirt is the least on your mind, but when you have it — it just completely changes everything.”
Ava began her journey with the Supertee in May 2024 during her first hospital stay. Lucy emphasized that for children, wearing the Supertee transforms a daunting experience into playtime: “They don’t realize it’s for the hard stuff; they just think it’s playing dress-up.”
Despite a challenging road ahead, which includes daily oral chemotherapy and intense treatments once a week, Ava has recently returned to her beloved ballet and tap classes. “She pirouettes around the room, and you can see her energy is coming back, which is really nice to see,” her mother added.
The distribution of Supertees to kids across the Perth Children’s Hospital wards was made possible by dedicated volunteers who spent a day packing hundreds of these special garments. Supertee founder, Jason Sotiris, highlighted the importance of community support: “We operate nationwide, but we rely on the help of volunteers. Thanks to the generosity from 7Telethon, it was fitting that we had West Australians pack for WA children.”
Sotiris further noted the psychological benefits of costume play, stating, “There’s a lot of studies indicating that there is power in having a costume. We want to bring some fun, imagination, comfort, and joy to what kids are going through in hospital.”
As Ava continues her fight, the Supertee initiative is proving crucial in providing not just garments but hope and happiness to countless children facing similar battles. The community’s response underscores the impact of such programs, making a tangible difference in the lives of young patients.
Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring story as Ava and other children experience the magic of feeling like heroes during their hospital journeys.
