- RonWear Port-able Clothing® was awarded one of twelve $250,000 Grants from Chase Bank & Living Social in August, 2012 out of 70,000 applicants!
Deb Papes-Stanzak never set out to be a revolutionary, or to develop a clothing line for patients receiving chemotherapy, dialysis, transfusion and infusion treatments. But that is the path her life has taken.
She is the founder of RonWear, a Port-able Clothing line that provides warmth, dignity and ease of access to those in treatment.
Recently, I heard Deb tell her story at a Bad Girl Ventures class at the University of Akron in Lakewood. She was funny and engaging as she shared her story–a story without happy endings for any of her loved ones. I was inspired by Deb, her family, her resilience and her dedication to turning tragedy and loss into something positive. Few would have the courage, strength and perseverance to keep going under similar circumstances.
Back in 2004, Deb was suddenly a caregiver to several family members who took ill and who regularly received infusion and dialysis treatments–all at the same time.
As if treatments weren’t traumatic enough, there was the issue of comfort during treatment. Deb’s brother wore t-shirts to expose his port, then had to bundle up in blankets. Hospitals are notoriously cold! The other option? A hospital gown. But they are unflattering, embarrassing to wear and hardly good for keeping the spirits up.
A seamstress with 35 years in the fashion industry, Deb designed and sewed a zippered, port-accessible (and warm) top for her brother. Ron was not only comfortable during his treatments, he looked good. And we all know that looking good often helps us feel a little better.
Other patients noticed Ron’s clothing and asked where they could get zippered treatmentwear. RonWear has taken some time to get rolling, but Deb promised her brother she would pursue it, so that she might help others the way she helped her brother and family. She is committed to keeping her word.
And the clothing is fashionable! No way anybody would know its true purpose. Ron Wear is a long way from a drafty, undignified, hospital gown…
With the holiday season right around the corner, RonWear’s line of Port-able Clothing is the perfect gift for those in treatment. It’s simply a wonderful product.
Probably there are other companies doing this type of clothing–but none more committed than Deb and her team. None more passionate about what they are doing. And RonWear sets the bar high with quality and design–Right down to the zippered media pocket for ipods and cell phones.
Please visit www.ronwear.com for more information. Questions? 330.748.4840 (the RonWear office), or call 1.800.513.1458 to place a phone order.
Gift Certificates available.
Want to help someone in need?
Please call 1.800.513.1458 to donate RonWear to a person who needs it, but lacks the resources or support system to purchase their own.
