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Mom invents a special garment for her daughter who uses a wheelchair daily

Shared by Rita Torrao on 2019-01-17 15:43

About the solution

Jennifer and her husband, John, are a happy couple with 11 children. One of their children, Zoey, suffers from cerebral palsy and depends on a wheelchair on a daily basis. Zoey loves playing outside with her friends, but she had problems keeping warm while sitting in her wheelchair.

In the winter of 2017, when Zoey was 9 years old, she asked her mother to make something that didn’t take long to put on so she could play outside on the playground. After failing to find an affordable product that would keep her daughter warm, tidy and looking stylish, Jennifer’s frustration sparked innovation. She bought two purple coats and started adapting them. The Bodycoat was born.

Less than a year later, Jennifer published a video of the handmade Bodycoat she sewed to show her daughter’s caregivers how to use it. The video went viral, with more than 11 million views and requests for the product. Jennifer and her husband realised they could help so many other people and that they had a business opportunity with the Bodycoat so, John went on an accelerator programme and the couple created their own company, X-Ability, where the “dis” in the word disability is crossed out.

"See my ability -- not my disability," said Zoey. "I saved recess for myself and a million other people."
The patent-pending X-Ability bodycoat offers warmth, comfort and functionality in a wide variety of colours, styles and sizes that meet the unique needs of wheelchair-bound individuals. With stylish and comfortable garments suitable for all four seasons, X-Ability bodycoats remain the perfect option for individuals, adult foster homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, stroller users and even short-term mobility customers following surgeries or injuries.
"When I did this, I purely did it to help her (Zoey)," Jennifer said. "If I was a millionaire, I'd make them and give them away. We are at the point where we want to find an investor."

Additionally to ordering, on the X-Ability website customers can also donate to kids whose families cannot afford the Bodycoat.
"I think the best part is getting a picture of a smiling kid," Jennifer added. "Words cannot express how much joy it's brought me that something I made has brought so much ease to a parent, because I know how easy it is and how convenient it is to have."

Adapted from: https://abcnews.go.com/beta-story-container/GMA/Family/saved-recess-girl...

More info: https://xabilitystore.com/

This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com

About the author

Jennifer Harrison, from Michigan, USA, a mom of 11, adopted her daughter Zoey when she was a 1-year-old. Zoey has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to get around. Unable to find a suitable option to dress Zoey for the cold, Jennifer invented the Bodycoat – a special garment for her daughter to go outside and keep comfy and warm.

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