Brisbane cancer survivor Makala Castelli is paying it forward, using her experience as a chemotherapy patient to create accessible clothing for people facing similar challenges.
Diagnosed with bowel cancer in the Emergency Department at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane four years ago at the age of 32, Ms Castelli endured months of chemotherapy and other treatments.
“Cancer treatment and hospital stays often require access to parts of the body that are usually well covered, and it is not until you experience treatment that you understand the challenges of simply getting dressed,” Ms Castelli, of Bulimba, said.
“When I was having treatment, I decided to create a range of clothing that was comfortable, beautiful and accessible so people like me could feel confident and more like themselves, whether they were in hospital, at home or somewhere in between.”
The result is Ms Castelli’s label, Limonata, a range of bright, adaptive clothing for people who need regular access to a port-a-cath, central/IV lines or surgical sites.
With no metal clasps or fasteners making the garments scan-friendly and made in a super soft rayon fabric, the clothes are specifically designed for people recovering from surgery, having chemotherapy and other treatments or who have restricted movement.
“Limonata is all about providing patients with fashionable clothing that they’re comfortable wearing socially as well as in medical settings,” she said.
Morgaine Stack is an Occupational Therapist at the Mater Private Hospital Brisbane and has seen countless patients struggle to find clothing that meets their needs, which they also feel comfortable wearing outside of the house or ward.
Ms Stack said: “Our clothing choices are a means of self-expression, identity and dignity – all aspects which are impacted by cancer and its treatment”.
“Adaptable clothing helps to maintain these, whilst facilitating independence and reducing demands on occupational performance. It preserves someone’s ability to engage in meaningful activities we all do daily,” she said.
Ms Castelli said she bounced ideas off fellow patients when she first started creating prototypes for Limonata.
“Cancer is a unique experience that you share with people and I’ve been fortunate to meet many amazing women who supported the idea,” she said.
“I hosted fitting sessions with patients and nurses to ensure my designs were what they wanted and needed.”
Customers are able to independently shower and dress even with lots of wires and drains, while feeling great, she said.
Committed to sustainable options, Ms Castelli met with multiple manufacturers until she found an ethical, female-run business to bring her designs to life.
Currently, Limonata is an online operation but Ms Castelli hopes to expand into healthcare and hospital settings.
“Going through cancer treatment is why I developed Limonata, but the broader adaptive clothing market is growing and becoming much more visible.”
“Patients are people too. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident, especially when we’re at our most vulnerable”.
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