UPDATE: Four-year-old Ava O’Kelly is now battling leukemia in style, thanks to a newly designed tutu medical garment that allows her to feel like a ballerina while undergoing treatment. The Supertee initiative, supported by Telethon funding, will supply over 1,500 Supertees to children in hospitals across Western Australia in the coming year.
In May 2024, during her first hospital stay, Ava received her first Supertee while facing a series of challenging tests. Her mother, Lucy O’Kelly, shared the emotional impact of the garment. “When she’s going through lumbar punctures and bone marrow tests, you think a t-shirt is the least on your mind, but when you have it — it completely changes everything,” Lucy said. “For kids, they don’t realize it’s for the hard stuff; they just think it’s playing dress up.”
The unique design of the Supertee features side and top openings, allowing parents and hospital staff to easily change clothing and access medical lines. Ava’s experience highlights the significance of this initiative, as it combines comfort and creativity during difficult times.
Despite the ongoing challenges of her treatment, which includes daily oral chemotherapy and more intense weekly sessions, Ava has returned to her ballet and tap classes. “She pirouettes around the room, and you can see her energy is coming back,” Lucy expressed, emphasizing the positive change the Supertee has brought to Ava’s hospital experience.
Children across the Perth Children’s Hospital wards have already received Supertees, thanks to the dedicated efforts of West Australian volunteers who packed hundreds of garments. Jason Sotiris, founder of Supertee, emphasized the importance of community support. “We operate nationwide, but we rely on the help of volunteers, and because of the generosity from 7Telethon, it was only fitting that we had West Australians pack for WA children,” he stated.
Sotiris also noted the psychological benefits of wearing costumes during treatment. “There are studies that indicate the power in having a costume gives these children permission to impersonate a hero. We want to bring fun, imagination, comfort, and joy to what kids are going through in hospital.”
Ava’s story is just one of many that demonstrates the critical role of initiatives like Supertee in enhancing the hospital experience for young patients. As the organization continues to distribute these unique garments, the hope is to provide children battling illnesses with a sense of normalcy and joy during their treatment journeys.
With ongoing support from Telethon and community volunteers, the Supertee initiative aims to expand its reach and make a lasting impact on the lives of children facing health challenges. For Ava and countless others, these garments represent more than clothing; they symbolize hope, resilience, and the power of imagination in the face of adversity.
