Connor Cosgrove, a 24-year-old cancer survivor, and his brother Clint, 32, have created ComfPort, a clothing line that features Port-T’s, T-shirts that allow chemotherapy patients to be comfortable during treatment. The project was funded via Kickstarter, where it raised $38,329.
In order to try to ease some of the pain and discomfort of the chemotherapy process, Connor came up with the idea of a shirt that would not interfere with the port, and would allow patients to dress as if they weren’t headed to receive treatment.
The port is a catheter that is implanted and connected to a vein in the chest of many cancer patients. According to the Kickstarter campaign, while it provides a central point for all treatments, including blood transfusions, IV fluids and medical tests, the port is often difficult and uncomfortable to access without the patient removing their shirt completely.
With the Port-T, this is no longer a problem. The T-shirts have a pocket that unbuttons, providing access to a patient’s port.
“It was a challenge to develop a shirt that was fashionable yet functional,” Connor explained on the Kickstarter campaign. “We tried several different pocket concepts, sizes, and placements, before ultimately arriving at the product you see today.”
The Port-T’s are made from bamboo, an absorbent, thermo-regulating, antibacterial, comfortable material–important attributes for cancer patients. The shirts are available in three styles (T-shirt, v-neck and long-sleeved) and six color combinations for both men and women.
There is also a supPort-T, made with a pocket, but no port hole, for the family, friends, survivors and supporters of those with cancer.
In an effort to help as many cancer patients as possible, ComfPort is a one-for-one company; for each shirt sold, one will go to a patient in need.
According to FOX News, the shirt was offered for $50 through Kickstarter and is expected to retail around the same price once their website and online store are launched.
Connor was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2010. He has been in remission for a year and a half.
