Needles and I have never been on good terms. During the rounds of testing at the Mayo Clinic for my heart diagnosis, it was the IVs that sent shivers down my spine. They are cold, the exposure – I couldn't bear the sight of my arm adorned with a protruding tube. To me, IV's are the worst.

Fast forward six months after my diagnosis, Stressé made its debut. What struck me most was the incredible response from the Breast Cancer community. Your messages, flooded across my DMs, email, and phone, painting a beautiful picture of Stressé accompanying you to chemo, given as heartfelt gifts, and tucked into overnight bags for post-surgery days. I felt deeply honored, finding a sisterhood of brave, kind, and strong women who saw and loved the message behind Stressé. One of these women was Rachel Khoury.

The spark for the IV sleeve idea ignited when I watched an Instagram reel video of Rachel sporting our Un-learn sweatshirt to her chemo appointment. Rachel is a light in the Jackson HoIe community + a dear friend. I reached out to her asking if she would like to be part of our 2nd drop and to help in collaboration of a sweatshirt that would work well for chemo (or any IV treatment) and of course, she jumped right in.

Bringing insight from her perspective (like hoodies for privacy during treatment), to helping us take the 20% of each sale & putting it into the Jackson Hole Breast Cancer Community, Rachel has been simply the best. She has also kindly offered her inbox as a safe space to reach out if you would like to get in touch. Here is her story, in her words:

"I got diagnosed with primary breast cancer when my son was six months old; I was 28. One day while breast feeding I felt a lump. I had it checked out by several medical providers, only to be told it was probably a clogged duct. My options were , I could get a biopsy, or wait three months and get it re checked. Two days later I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. In the following year ahead I had a double mastectomy, five rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. I was cancer free for five years and ready to have another baby when my cancer returned; this time stage 4 metastatic disease in my liver. After receiving my second diagnosis I had a total hysterectomy. To this day the most painful thing about this journey has been the loss of growing my family. 

Part 4: Prototypes & Mama

We wanted the IV sleeve to be discreet, versatile enough to go from appointments-to-the store, but most importantly for it to be cozy, warm, hooded and to come with a community.  15 sweatshirt prototypes & 50+ hours later, my mama (a skilled seamstress + a Breast Cancer survivor) had created the perfect design. Each and every sweatshirt in this drop has been hand-sewn by her (love you, mama!)

I am so excited for you to wear this hoodie.

• Hand-sewn
• Organic cotton
• Non-toxic dyes
• It's made with so much love just for you
• Each sweatshirt comes with a personal handwritten note from me-to-you

And so, the story of Stressé continues, echoing the kindred spirit of a community bound together by courage and compassion.

To connect with Rachel; you can visit her Instagram here, send her a DM and let her know you’re from the Stresse family.