Inspiring Teenager Smiles Through Her Challenges ~ The Story of Ellie

In December of this last year we received an email from Erin, who is the mother of a 17 year old daughter named Ellie. Ellie was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor when she was younger and has had many complications. In the last year alone, she has endured 13 brain surgeries. She also had surgery to her back due to a mass which left her with a paralyzed leg. She has spent far too many days in the hospital. Throughout all of this, her mother explained that Ellie has always kept a positive attitude and can mostly be found with a big, beautiful smile on her face.

Ellie with her mother

The reason Erin was writing to us was because Ellie had found our website and had been saving up to purchase one of our hospital gowns. Erin hoped that we might make her a part of our "Feel Better Campaign" as she was not yet able to purchase one of our hospital gowns, and she knew this would brighten her daughter's time in the hospital. At the time of her email to us, Ellie was hospitalized and about to undergo more surgery.

We couldn't think of a better person to receive one of our "Feel Better" hospital gowns to, so it was an easy decision for us. We sent her our "Annie" designer hospital gown and a few days later we received another email from Ellie's mother that made us both cry. The email contained step by step pictures of Ellie opening the hospital gown that we sent to her. Looking at the pictures made us feel like we were right there with her as she was opening up our gift...... and it was powerful! You can see for yourself in this short Flipagram video:



We have always known our hospital gowns can make a big difference in the life of anyone that has to spend time in the hospital and Ellie confirmed this, once again, for us. She is yet another reminder of why we started this business and why we continue to move forward with Annie & Isabel.

Ellie in her "Annie" hospital gown

After Ellie received her "Annie" hospital gown she wrote us a very nice thank you note and we have included some of that here so you can see what a sweet, thoughtful person she is:

"Most teenagers are worried about how perfect their hair and make-up look, or which party they will attend over the weekend. For me, it's a little different. I just want my hair to grow back completely so I can do different things to it. Forget weekend parties, I just pray to stay out of the hospital for the weekend. You see, in the last year or so I've had over 13 brain surgeries, 55+ spinal taps, at least 15 hospital admissions, countless nights in the PICU, and several ER visits & ambulance rides. I've been diagnosed with multiple serious chronic illnesses throughout the last few years. As a teenager it's been hard spending more time in the hospital then at home. Nurses and doctors are more of my friends than people my own age. But it's also taught me so much. I can't wait for the day when I'm able to attend college and follow my dream of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse. My passion is helping people and I love volunteering in any way possible when my health allows me. I frequently have surgeries or am in the hospital for extended stays. I try personalizing my room and bed up a bit, but to have a gown of my own just means so much! Anna & Selena, thank you SO, SO much for choosing me as your feel better campaign recipient. I truly an so honored, and grateful to be part of something so amazing. I can't thank you enough for the smiles and the happy tears you have brought to me at such a hard time. You are both wonderful people with amazing personalities and I just really can't put into words how much all of this means to me!!! Thank you, truly thank you!! ~ Ellie" 

We gave Ellie a small gift, but the truth is, she has given us a much greater gift. She has shown us how to stay positive in the face of so many obstacles, to live life to the fullest, and to always dream big. We are the ones honored to have Ellie as a "Feel Better Campaign" recipient and we can't thank Ellie and her mother enough for reaching out to us. Ellie's fighting spirit, huge heart, and positive attitude have touched us deeply.

Now we need YOUR help! Ellie has recently been re-admitted to the hospital and could use some good thoughts and prayers.

We would love if you could write some words of encouragement on our Facebook post as Ellie follows along. Ellie is always one to smile, even when she is feeling down, but let's help make that smile much bigger by letting her know there are people thinking about her! It just takes two easy steps:

1. "LIKE" our Facebook post because we feel like each LIKE is the same as giving sweet Ellie a nice big hug!

2. COMMENT on our Facebook post so she can read each message and feel the love and support surrounding her.

You all have always pulled through for our Annie & Isabel warriors so I can't wait to see us all do it again and imagine Ellie smiling with each message! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and Ellie's too).

Prayers Needed as Britney Receives Life Saving Stem Cell Transplant Tomorrow!!

Once again we are asking for everyone to send some good thoughts, prayers, and love to Britney (pictured below). She will be undergoing a stem cell transplant tomorrow morning to hopefully save her life! All hopes are that this transplant will provide a re-birth for Britney and we would love it if you would all leave messages of strength and encouragement on our Facebook post and/or on this blog post to help get her through this difficult journey!

Britney is 32 years old and has a rare condition called, Systemic Sclerosis or Diffuse Scleroderma. She has a very aggressive form of this disease which has caused her a lot of pain and suffering along with stealing over 50% of her lung function. In Britney's case, this disease is basically turning her skin and internal organs into stone. Diffuse Scleroderma is a progressive auto-immune disease which can sometimes have a prognosis of only 5-7 years from diagnosis. Britney has taken medications to fight off many symptoms and to help slow down the disease, but now she is in need of this stem-cell transplant to save her life.

We found out about Britney because some of Britney's great friends purchased the Annie gown to brighten her long hospital stay.  They picked the perfect gown for Britney! As the card that comes with this gown states, our great-grandmother, Annie, lived to be 98 years old, and was spunky, selfless, and fun…..qualities it seems that Britney shares.  We wish for you a long life, like that of our great-grandma Annie :-)

PLEASE watch this beautiful video of Britney explaining her diagnosis and her journey towards transplant. You will see what an amazingly strong person Britney is and why she needs the help of family, friends, and strangers to lift her up and encourage her through this difficult journey. 

Britney….you have a lot of loving people behind you and we know you are going to win this battle. Tomorrow, think of all of us singing "Happy Birthday To You" as you receive those cells that will restore you to better health!!. STAY STRONG AND FIGHT HARD BRITNEY!!

Another Proud Mama in Her Annie and Isabel Designer Hospital Gown

Another new proud mama in her Annie & Isabel designer hospital gown.  This is Mary and she is wearing the "Isabel" hospital gown. She is a first time mommy and loving life with her sweet little girl.  Here is what she had to say about her Annie & Isabel hospital gown:

"Just wanted to say how much I loved my Annie and Isabel gown.  It was great to have something new and clean (that I knew was clean) to put on after she was born.  I really appreciated the full coverage and snap up sleeves as I was on IV medication for the first day and had to get up frequently.  I got so many compliments from the nurses and family.  Thanks."

~Mary

We have some great news about our Isabel designer hospital gowns!  A while back we announced that the Isabel fabric had been discontinued....at least that is what we were told by our fabric distributor.  We just ordered more fabric to make more hospital gowns and guess what?... The Isabel fabric is still being produced! We are so happy about this, because The Isabel gown is one of our best sellers.. and our personal favorites too!

A New Mother Delivers in the Annie Designer Hospital Gown

Here is Allison wearing her Annie & Isabel designer hospital gown as she gets ready to deliver her first child. She is wearing the "Annie" gown and we love that her cute flip flops look perfect with her hospital gown. We are sure she was the most fashionable mom on the labor and delivery floor! Thanks Allison for your testimonial!


"All ready to welcome miss Lauren Whitney...a big THANK YOU to Joyce and Annie & Isabel Hospital Gowns for making me feel stylish during my labor & delivery...I received many compliments while walking the floor."

-Alison Minneapolis MN

A New Baby and a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

We received a beautiful testimonial from Anne that we feel honored to share with you today. In the picture below, Anne is getting ready to celebrate the birth of her 3rd son. She looks radiant in her Anita designer hospital gown and you can see the joy and excitement in her face as she anticipates the arrival of another blessing to her family. You would never know by the picture below that Anne had been diagnosed with breast cancer just two weeks prior to this day.

We found out about Anne through friends who wanted to buy her some Annie & Isabel hospital gowns for the birth of her son and for her upcoming breast cancer surgery. Anne was given four Annie & Isabel hospital gowns by different people which we knew was a true testament to the type of person Anne is. We were so touched to read an excerpt from a blog that Anne's husband started in order to keep family and friends updated on her progress. Here is what he wrote:

"As you know, my beautiful wife and best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer on Friday 11/12/10. We were shocked to hear this unfortunate news. After we had time to process the facts, one of the things we quickly realized was how much love and support there was around us. I am at a loss for words. I do not quite know how to thank all of you for your kind thoughts, prayers, messages and gestures. You have truly touched both of our hearts. Anne is an amazing person as many of you know. This fact is evidenced in part by the wonderful friends and family who surround her. Thanks again to all for their continued support and a special thank you to our families for all the love and assistance they have given already."

"To my wife:

You are such a unique and extraordinary individual, mother, wife and friend. To know you is truly to love you. You are the bright light in our family and you make me and the boys happier than I can articulate. I love you to pieces and will always be here for you no matter what comes our way. Stay strong and I know you will prevail."

Prevail she has. Anne had her first surgery to remove the breast cancer only 4 days after giving birth to her son. You can tell she was ready to fight in her sassy "Susan" hospital gown!!

She had a second and final surgery for her breast cancer and sported the "Elizabeth" hospital gown.

Here is what Anne said about wearing her Annie & Isabel hospital gowns:

"I want to sincerely thank you again for your gorgeous gowns. I have to tell you, when I was pregnant with my third son, I was hoping to get one after seeing the beautiful photos that Brenda Bisharat took of glowing mommies. I got my wish and then some. I was gifted two gowns at my baby shower. I felt so special as everyone at the shower admired their beauty. I wore the Anita at the birth of my third son Markos. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to feel so pretty in my designer gown because days later I knew I would be facing my greatest challenge."

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years old, 8 months pregnant, with my son. My doctor induced me at 36 weeks pregnant and four days later I was back in the hospital getting a mastectomy. After my diagnosis, my sister Audrey gave me the Susan gown and I also got the Elizabeth (breast cancer gown) from some dear friends. I wore the Susan gown for my mastectomy because I wanted to feel sassy and put up a good fight! It put a smile on my doctors face and after seeing it he got me a stuffed dog with similar print to carry so I would remember to not lift or use that arm. After that surgery, I found out that the cancer did not spread and I can happily call myself a survivor!"

"Last but not least, I wore the Elizabeth gown in February for my last surgery. I had so many compliments from nurses and doctors. My doctors first response was how nice the gown was but then he was even more impressed when he realized how easy it was to access my bandages. It was so comfortable and I felt "safe" to walk the halls knowing I wasn't going to give anyone a peep show."

In addition to taking care of herself, being a wife and loving on her three boys, Anne started a wonderful blog called "Livin the Green" and, in her words, this blog is about "cleaning out the old self to become a healthier, wiser, greener, and more organic person." If you want to follow along in this journey and change your old ways too then you should follow along!!

The Story of Alexxa, A Breast Cancer Survivor!!

When we dreamed up Annie & Isabel, we had hopes of providing comfort and dignity to those that are sick and dealing with difficult diagnoses. We have felt honored to be invited into the lives and stories of so many inspirational people. Even though we deal with sickness every day in the hospital, we find comfort in coming home to our beautiful families and appreciate the health of our family and friends. As we all know, cancer does not discriminate. It affects the young and old, men and women, and children of all ages. With all that we know and see, it is still so easy to believe that cancer will never come into our safe little neighborhood. So when we found out that our friend, Alexxa, was diagnosed with breast cancer we were stunned.

Alexxa and her family often sit in front of us at church on Sundays. Our cars pass each other as we drop off our kids at school. Alexxa is part of our "safe" world. Her diagnosis made us uncomfortable with the realization that this could happen to any of us.

A close friend and breast cancer survivor purchased The Elizabeth gown for Alexxa as she embarked on her hospital journey. Here is what Alexxa had to say about wearing her designer hospital gown:

"I am a proud mommy to three girls, ages 9, 7 and 4....so naturally, we have a lot of pink around the house. I did not realize how much the color "pink" would impact my life until this past June, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. From date of diagnosis to surgery was 13 days! Before I underwent a double mastectomy a dear friend, and fellow breast cancer survivor, gave me one of Annie & Isabel's hospital gowns...The Elizabeth, which was fitting in honor of their Grandmother and her battle with breast cancer. I cannot tell you how much hope and faith this gown brought me, on a day otherwise to be considered frightening. My mother told me I was barely out of surgery, still quite groggy from the medications, and I had her help me change out of the standard issue hospital gown into my beautiful Elizabeth Gown for the remainder of my stay.

I am proud to say that I am cancer free today. I am still in the midst of chemo-therapy with radiation on the horizon (which my Elizabeth Gown will accompany me to as well). All of this preventative treatment will give me the best possible odds to rid this horrible disease of ever impacting my life again.

As a side note, Anna is a close friend to our family, her love and support...and checking in on me, is a bonus I am fortunate to receive."

If you want to learn more about Alexxa's inspiring story you can follow her on her blog at www.alexxafaithorfear.blogspot.com

Being In The Bed And Not At The Bedside

This is a very exciting day because, as Anna and I are sitting here in the hospital, we are actually back to talking about our business and the future of Annie & Isabel... a very good sign because we have been pretty much in a stress mode all week. Anna, if you didn't know, has been in the hospital with a severe case of pneumonia since Sunday. It has been a scary week, especially because we work in the hospital and we know waaaaay too much. I have to admit that there were times when I was really frightened for her. My great-grandma Annie's scary pneumonia stories from the "old days" would rise up inside of me blocking out all the logical reassurances of today's hope in antibiotics. Anna had a rough couple of days after admission... with high fevers, chills, and difficulty breathing. She is definitely turning in the right direction finally! The one thing she keeps saying is, "This is so surreal being on the other side of things." It really has been... for me as well.. She will have to write up a blog post on that subject in the future... we have laughed and cried over so many things in those late hours in this hospital room!!! For one, the stinky CARPETED floors and the hair found stuck to the "clean" sheets have been an ongoing conversation.....really gross!

The patient and the nurse:)

We sold our first gown to someone entering hospice care this week. We got a report back that the woman on the receiving end had a big smile on her face when she was presented with her gown, now that she will spend her days in a hospital bed at home. Since we have had time to chat here, we have been reminiscing about our Grandma Isabel who also received hospice care at the end of her battle with pancreatic cancer in 1989. Our mother, who is also a nurse, had become a hospice volunteer a year prior to our grandmother's diagnosis, and we all believe that this unknowingly prepared us all for our upcoming loss. It was such a heart wrenching time for all of us. Grandma Isabel was really the first person that was close to us that we lost and it affected us all so greatly. The time we spent with our Grandma Isabel that year, came with some unexpected blessings as it was when we learned about nursing as a career and about the benefits of hospice care. Hospice care, now frequently called palliative care, is a service that helps alleviate symptoms of a terminal disease process. It doesn't have to be for the imminently dying patient. The goal is to make a patient's last days the best days that they can be and a hospice team is organized to help attain that goal. When we dreamed up Annie & Isabel, hospice patients were in our vision as part of our projected desired client base.

Our Mom & Anna in The Evelyn Gown

When we were designing our Annie & Isabel Gowns, we talked a lot about Grandma Isabel in her last days. My mom had to take all of her nightgowns and cut them up the back, making it easier for my mom to dress her and so grandma wouldn't have to lay on them or soil them. In the end, she was confined to the hospital bed in her home. It was October, a golden time of the year, and a time when the house was filled with visitors wanting to see her for the last time. She was a beautiful woman, as many of you know if you have read the story behind The Isabel Gown. We wish we could have had something like our lovely gowns for her in those last days.

Anna with three of her four boys visiting

Anna, as she lays here in the hospital bed next to me, in The Isabel Gown, also looks beautiful... Earlier in the week, she said it feels SO good to have a gown from home. This hospital experience was so unexpected and, as we sit here and try to find the blessings in this time, we count this bonding time that we have had together, something that can be so illusive in our busy lives. We did not expect to be one of our own best customers but that experience, has been a little blessing that we count in all this as it has validated our feelings on what a great product we have:)

Anna has worn The Isabel, The Evelyn, and The Anita and we have washed all of them many times and they wash beautifully. She has had so many fevers and sweats that every time one of us leaves... we bring back a nice clean washed gown. Even when she was really pale and weak earlier in the week, seeing her with our gown on helped her and us feel better.

Anna has had so much love and support from our family and friends and her iPhone has been her lifeline... she throws it in our handy dandy pocket.. and she's off.....now that she is strong enough to go for a walk down the hall! On her walks.. she does not need a robe, as we've got your backside covered! (see below)

We have set up a discount code for anyone that is buying a gown for a loved one entering hospice care or that is confined to a bed. The discount is 15% and the code is "hospice". Please pass it on to anyone that you think might benefit from having their own comfortable, beautiful, and functional gown.

Anna walking the halls in The Isabel Gown, named after our grandmother Isabel

I have to share this story with you!! A good nursing friend was recently in the hospital for pre-term labor. Thankfully she is doing ok but is now on bedrest for 3 months. She purchased the Elizabeth gown awhile ago for her upcoming birth. She is honoring her mother who is a breast cancer survivor which is so wonderful!!!

I asked her if she was able to debut her gown during her recent hospital visit and here is what she had to say:

"Don't you know it was the first thing I told my husband to get when we found out I was getting admitted and he had to go home to get stuff. I LOVE it and so did my nurses and visitors. It fit me well and covered me up. I really loved the pockets too! My mom and mother in law thought it was so wonderful! It made them instantly happy when I changed into it. They forgot about what was going on for a couple of minutes. Love love love it!!"

Thank you Melody. We are so happy that everything is ok with you and the baby. Now keep that baby comfortable inside you and we can't wait to see pictures in a few months!!!

Another New Happy Mom in her Designer Hospital Gown

We got this wonderful testimonial from Cyndi who delivered a beautiful baby girl!!!

"I am a petite woman and to have this gown fit me was great. The material was light and the back closing ribbons are perfectly placed so you are not showing off all the assets. I felt pretty and I looked different from the rest of the patients. In fact, all the nurses were complimenting me on how cute my gown was! Thank you Annie & Isabel for making such a good quality gown that a girl can feel sassy in even after giving birth!"

What a beautiful baby and family!!! Congratulations Cyndi.

Noelle's Story

Meet our dear friend Noelle

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime?

This is our friend Noelle. She is an amazing person, wife, friend, and the mother of two beautiful children. She has breast cancer. We met with Noelle to have her check out our gowns and hear her story. She has had a beautiful attitude during her illness and always has a smile on her face. She is going to beat this and we know it! We feel honored that Noelle will be the first to wear our breast cancer gown, "The Elizabeth", during her upcoming hospital stay.

Noelle has finished her chemotherapy and her next step will be surgery. She is preparing herself with her courageous attitude and amazing support system around her.

Please join us in keeping Noelle and her family in your thoughts and prayers .

If you would like to learn more about Noelle and support her along this journey, please visit her Caringbridge site at:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noellemalone

Another testimonial is in... The Isabel Designer Hospital Gown....was a HIT!

One of our dear friends Dimitra wore two of our first generation Annie & Isabel Gowns. Here she is in The Isabel on the day that she delivered her beautiful son! Welcome to motherhood Di~ You are going to be an amazing Mom!
Love you!

Dimitra introducing her niece Alexia to her new cousin

Here is what Dimitra had to say about her experience in her very own Annie & Isabel Gown...

"I am so happy that I had my own gown during my time in the hospital having my son...especially during such long stretches of time, waiting for the show to start! My gown fit great, was comfortable, and the best part is knowing that this gown had not been worn by others- it was exclusively for me;) My Doctor came in to check on me during my long hospital visit and said that on the board, out by the nurse's station, they had written next to my name "cute gown!" Funny how a little thing such as having my own gown made me feel SO special. So many pictures were taken of me that I will treasure forever. It was nice to have something on that looked great in the pictures with my new son."

Testimonial - The Evelyn Designer Hospital Gown

We just received this testimonial from a client who wore the Evelyn Designer Hospital Gown. What a beautiful family this is. The photo below is of Stephanie and her family with their new bundle of joy. These pictures were captured by Brenda Bisharat Photography who professionally photographed Stephanie's birth.





Here is what Stephanie had to say about her experience in The Evelyn designer hospital gown:

"New, Fresh, & Beautiful...words to describe the experience wearing my Annie & Isabel gown. I absolutely LOVE my gown. There is just something about wearing a hospital gown that you know no one else has used. I was completely comfortable, felt beautiful in my bright spring colors, and was able to get up and walk around, fully covered! The gown was the perfect backdrop for pictures with our new baby and family. Compliments were coming every which way from the hospital staff and family and friends, something that makes you feel even more special on an amazing day such as delivering your baby. I can't say THANK YOU enough."

Stephanie, we can't thank you enough for your kind words. It makes us so happy to know that our gown made an experience just a little bit more special and fun.

The Annie Gown

Introducing our fourth gown, The Annie Gown. Click on "Naming of the Gowns" for the story behind the Annie Gown, on the home page. We've had so much fun remembering all the special women that these gowns are named after. We will be announcing our fifth gown soon!

The Anita Gown

We are excited to announce our third gown, The Anita Gown. It is so fitting after Easter to announce this gown, as Anita loved holiday time with family. Click on the "Naming of the Gowns" tab on our home page to read the story behind this beautiful gown.

The Annie & Isabel blog!!!

Thank you for visiting the Annie & Isabel blog. This is the place where we would like to share news with all of you about our company, the things we are up to and what is to come in the future. We also envision this blog to be a place to tell stories about the people who wear our gowns. These stories may range from the woman struggling with a new diagnosis to the mother experiencing the miracle of the birth of her child. We want people to be inspired by these stories.

As nurses, we feel honored and proud to be in this profession. We are privileged to go to work every day in the hospital and help people who are often so vulnerable. For us, these gowns are a way to make patients feel more dignified, respected and beautiful. It is a small way in which patients can stay in control of their hospital experience and feel unique. We can't wait to get our gowns out into the world to bring a smile to those patients who wear them as well as the doctors and nurses that take care of these patients. We promise that any patient wearing these gowns will be the talk of the hospital staff!!!