Update: Check out this video of support from Marvel stars, Chris Hemsworth and Brie Larson for the launch. They have shared special messages that will be shared with children that receive a Supertee: Marvel Edition to help inspire them…
SUPERTEE eases the suffering of our most precious and vulnerable.
Many years ago, I had the privilege of making a film for the anniversary of ‘The Children Hospital Westmead’. I spent four of the most remarkable days of my filmmaking life recording and documenting the stories of the extraordinary people who work there, their patients, and families. To say that their stories were moving would be to understate the impact that the experience had on both myself and my crew.
It was not just the commitment and compassion the amazing nursing staff showed in caring for their patients. Nor was the inspirational doctors and their remarkable dedication. I think the most inspiring thing of all was the courage that the children displayed — trampling over adversity after adversity, making the best they could during the horrible situations they were enduring. I was amazed by their courage, it was inspirational. Their wit and humour was infectious with very little to be witty or humorous about. It was as though the sicknesses that they were enduring gave them a calmness and maturity well in excess of their years.
I was reminded of this experience while listening to an interview with Jason Sortiriis, the founder of ‘SUPERTEE’ this morning on breakfast radio. He was discussing with Ben Fordham on 2GB the progress on his concept brand ‘SUPERTEE Medical Garment’. His story is documented below:
Jason and Angela’s story.
Life has a strange way of testing people. Adversity affects people in many ways, with some seeing problems and others identifying challenges to overcome.
That was certainly the case for Jason Sotiris and his family.
Life dealt them the biggest challenge of all when their beautiful daughter Angela, at the age of just one, was diagnosed with cancer. Jason, a self-employed tradie, held his daughter close as the doctor broke the devastating news. Scans found tumours throughout Angela’s tiny body, and she was given a 20% chance of beating what was a rare, 1 in 100,000 disease.
Months of traumatising treatment followed, as Jason and his family desperately sought options for their beloved little one. One night, Jason was observing his daughter’s IV drips, heart monitors, and central lines when she woke suddenly and vomited due to the potency of her chemotherapy.
As Jason waited for a nurse to come, he attempted to carefully change Angela into clean clothes. This proved difficult and only seemed to upset Angela more. Afterwards, as his daughter settled back to sleep, Jason had a great idea. He wanted to create a garment that could be changed easily whether the patient was awake or asleep. Not only would this make life easier for nurses and parents, but it would also reduce stress for patients during difficult times.
Jason presented his vision to a good friend, and both men decided to invest in the idea. A prototype of the SUPERTEE was created, with guidance provided by the hands-on nurses in the hospital system. This great product was launched in June 2018 at the same hospital that had cared for Angela! During this extremely challenging time, this was a special moment that Jason and his family cherished.
Introducing The ‘SUPERTEE Medical Garment’.
The SUPERTEE is a medical garment that inspires imagination. It is an updated version of the traditional hospital gown, only this time it’s been designed especially for children.
This patented clothing is safe and easy to use thanks to its unique, innovative design. The SUPERTEE provides parents and hospital staff with an easier way to change garments while accessing and bypassing medical lines. SUPERTEE aims to bring convenience, comfort, and imaginative play to hospitals in Australia and around the world.
SUPERTEE is so much more than a t-shirt; it’s a way to comfort children and families when they need it the most. The SUPERTEE design is practical, inspirational, and 100% cool. There are currently two unique contemporary designs available, both of which are made with high-quality cotton.
Our campaigns provide a unique opportunity for individuals, small businesses, and corporations to support families who are navigating the challenges of hospital life with a sick child. SUPETEE is about transforming adversity into opportunity, with this core attitude defining our past and informing our future.
Since its inception, SUPERTEE has helped thousands of Australia’s sickest children and their parents. There are 200+ volunteers involved in supporting SUPERTEE nationwide. Over $500,000 has been donated, and more than 13,000 SUPERTEES have been delivered so far. SUPERTEE won the Australia good design award for social impact in 2019, and the charity continues to grow by leaps and bounds thanks to supporters across the country.
A New Chapter
Now there’s a new chapter in the SUPERTEE story through a collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand. The SUPERTEE: Marvel Edition features two designs based on the Marvel characters, Captain America and Captain Marvel. To celebrate the launch, Marvel talent Brie Larson and Chris Hemsworth have shared special messages of support to sick children who receive a SUPERTEE: Marvel Edition.
Marvel superheroes have inspired generations and the SUPERTEE: Marvel Edition allows sick children to connect with the characters’ superpowers to channel their own strength and courage during what may be their toughest battle.
Become a partner of the Fair Fight Foundation and help them in our mission to gift a SUPERTEE to every child and family who need one.
We’re delighted to see the imagination and storytelling at the heart of Disney, and the strength and courage of our Marvel superheroes, bringing joy and comfort to children and families when it’s needed most.
We hope this special collaboration with the Fair Fight Foundation on the SUPERTEE: Marvel Edition uplifts the overall hospital experience and inspires kids to feel better and be brave like their favourite superheroes.
Kylie Watson-Wheeler
Senior Vice President and Managing Director
The Walt Disney Company in Australia and New Zealand
Want to help out, or for any questions or enquiries? Please contact their friendly team today!
WEBSITE
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 5131
GREYSTANES, NSW 2145, Australia.
DROP them AN EMAIL
Email: info@supertee.org.au
WORKING HOURS
Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
