URGENT UPDATE: The first-ever ballerina Supertees have been distributed to children at Gosford Hospital, marking a significant milestone in the initiative aimed at bringing joy and comfort to young patients. This exciting development, just announced today, introduces a dance-inspired design to the Supertee collection, which has already provided over 25,000 garments to children in hospitals across Australia since its inception.
Designed by Jason Sotiris following his daughter’s battle with an aggressive form of cancer in 2018, the Supertee is much more than a medical garment. It resembles a costume, allowing children to escape the realities of treatment and step into a world of imagination and creativity. “With every Supertee, there’s a story to tell, and this one invites children into the world of imagination and dance,” Sotiris stated. “It’s about helping them feel like a ballerina, not just a patient.”
Each ballerina Supertee comes complete with a tutu, a handwritten card from the child’s ‘biggest fan,’ and an invitation to dance, creating a unique experience for young patients. The design facilitates access to underarms for temperature checks and is compatible with MRI and PET scans, ensuring it meets medical needs without sacrificing comfort or style.
“This is more than a costume; it’s a moment of joy during a very hard time,” Sotiris emphasized. “Our hope is that kids will not only wear their ballerina Supertee but dance in it in their hospital rooms.”
Additionally, parents are given the opportunity to scan a QR code included in each pack, linking them to a personal message from Jade Wood, a Supertee ambassador and former senior artist with The Australian Ballet. Wood invites children to partake in a specially created dance experience, promising to transform hospital beds into stages of creativity. “As a dancer, I’ve seen firsthand how movement can uplift and inspire,” Wood said. “I’m so proud to be part of a project that gives children a reason to smile and move, even from a hospital bed.”
This initiative has been made possible through a partnership with Rise & Shine Education, which is helping to fund and distribute the first wave of ballerina Supertees. Individuals and businesses looking to support the rollout can visit www.supertee.org.au for more information.
The introduction of ballerina Supertees is more than just a new design; it represents a commitment to enhancing the well-being of children undergoing treatment. The immediate impact of this project is profound, offering not only comfort but also a sense of normalcy and joy during challenging times.
As this initiative gains momentum, keep an eye on further developments and potential expansions of the Supertee line, as families across Australia eagerly await more creative designs that cater to diverse interests and aspirations.
