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 Many women feel fighting breast cancer is their greatest challenge once diagnosed. Needless to say, most are unprepared for developing lymphedema, an incurable and chronic side effect of surgery and radiation that causes the lymph nodes, limbs, and extremities to swell.
The conventional therapy, a 24-hour compression garment often a nude, skin color, is not only unattractive but hot, itchy, and usually uncomfortable, as well.
But, last year three young women from the Philadelphia area saw it as their mission to change the look of the compression garments. Rachel Troxell and Robin Miller, who both suffer from lymph edema, partnered with Kristin Dudley, a fashion design graduate of Drexel, and introduced LympheDivas. Offering a collection of brightly-colored, fashion forward compression sleeves, LympheDivas have put a fun spin on lymph edema management.
Because they designed the sleeves from scratch, the women quickly incorporated elements such as athletic-style wicking fabric for comfort and softness and offer three ready-to-wear sizes. Sleeves are available both on-line as well as in select retail locations. LympheDivas may be the first company outside of designer eyewear manufacturers to bring style to the medical world.
The company, now run by Troxell and Dudley, plans to expand into other compression garments, such as tank tops and sleeves with higher compression. Traditional sleeves average between $50 to $80, while LympheDiva sleeves cost between $90 and $100. Yet, women seem more than willing to pay a little extra for something that makes them feel beautiful, strong, and in control.
In addition to promoting the idea of "replacing your medical device with a fashion accessory," LympheDivas strongly promotes awareness and education about lymph edema. As a result, a percentage of their sales go to breast cancer and lymph edema organizations.
For more information, visit their website at www.lymphedivas.com or call 866-41-DIVA. |
