Photograph by Robin Henson Photography
The hardship of a cancer diagnosis is something Cindy Trice knows firsthand. She was diagnosed in 2009 with advanced cervical cancer, and had to undergo treatment during extended stays at the hospital. In lieu of the hospital gown, she was given a pair of comfortable pajamas, which became a source of comfort for her. “She felt like herself,” explains her best friend Elizabeth Searcy. “But it lacked medical functionality for the nurses to be able to access certain points, like IVs.”
So, Trice and Searcy, along with Anna Shuford and Parmalee Miller, formed a partnership to launch KickIt, a cancer apparel line, in 2020. (Two of the founders are based in Atlanta; two are based in Florida.) The women are determined to help cancer patients have dignity and comfort during their time fighting the disease.
The innovative clothing allows for easier management of items like drains, medical devices, IVs, and more. It’s made from soft blend fabrics to help with the skin irritation that comes with radiation treatment.
The brand, which has items that range from $25 to $145, offers everything from what Searcy calls “the bedroom to the boardroom, a full collection of clothing for every stage of a woman’s cancer journey.” There are hospital gowns and pajamas, as well as at-home pieces to help with drains or sensitive post-surgery stomach areas. The hospital gown is available in the Emory Cancer Winship Radiance Boutique.
There are capes for infusions and even a streetwear dress called the Kristin Recovery Dress. “It has internal pockets for drains, it has a zip-up zipper for those with limited arm mobility. There’s a lot of functionality, but you wouldn’t know it’s made for someone recovering from cancer,” she says.
Searcy and her partners are taking their commitment to cancer patients even further. This year, the brand is sponsoring a scholarship for a woman to attend Cervivor School, a cancer survivor program that focuses on empowerment and advocacy. The brand donates to multiple cancer organizations and initiatives as well. “It’s important to us that we are so mission-focused,” says Searcy.
