By Louise Sertsis
I'm just shy of my fortieth birthday
and ready to fully engage myself in becoming a contributing member of society.
For years, I was a hermit in my home, believing that activities did not include
disabled people like myself. I've had Multiple Sclerosis for eighteen years and need
to use a wheelchair for mobility. It took many years to accept my situation. I
was full of resentment and self-pity. I was unable to look at life as a gift,
and in my own stubbornness, chose to shut myself off to society. This only
brought more pain and suffering. I was in a vicious circle that just
exacerbated my symptoms, adding to my mental anguish and further isolation from
the world.
Through my very turbulent symptoms
with MS, I've had two major procedures to alter the course of my disease: A bone marrow transplant to halt the
progression of MS, and CCSVI that opened narrowed veins that are typical in
people with this monster of a disease. I really am thankful to have had these
procedures, as I was progressing at an accelerated rate. It was a long
recovery, however now I feel reborn and energized for life!
Soul searching and boredom has plagued
my life since I've been unable to work due to my illness. It was throughout
this time that I was able to realize, I was essentially present in my body, but
not truly living. I really wanted and needed a change, even though I knew it
would be the most difficult of all challenges to accomplish. I was tired of
being at home with no purpose, not even getting out in bed.
I have always loved to travel, and
swimming is one of my absolute favorite activities. Since my diagnosis and
being in a wheelchair, I have recognized that swimsuits were not created for
women with physical challenges. I gave
up something I once loved because dressing/undressing was too complicated,
especially when the swimsuit was wet. I have weakness in my legs, making it
hard to stand up for prolonged periods of time, and an urgent bladder, so going
to the bathroom was almost impossible! Swimming used to be carefree and fun,
but had turned into inconvenience and fear. I believe that disabled women have
been shunned from swimming, solely based on the swimsuit design!
![]() | |
Designer Marina Pascale with Louise |
Over the past year, I've had the
privilege of meeting Marina Pascale of Maison
de Pascale, an
accomplished swimsuit designer from Toronto, Canada. She agreed with my opinion
surrounding the issues with existing swimsuits available today. She was able to
incorporate my vision into her proposed designs. This is when Advanced Freedom
was born! Our goal is to create swimsuits that are smarter and more accessible
for all.
One of our prototype designs is a
two-piece that looks like a one-piece with hooks to prevent the suit from
riding up and magnetic closures to allow for ease of dressing (although
modifications to style will be incorporated based on focus group input and Kickstarter
contributors.) The suit will be offered in sizes extra-small (XS) to
extra-large (XL). Tops and bottoms will be sold separately to allow selection
and fit for different body types and to simplify the shopping process.
Designing will take place in Toronto, Ontario and will be manufactured in
Canada with designer quality fabric that has a four-way stretch, quick-drying
qualities, chlorine resistant colors, and UV protection. The swimsuits will be available
to purchase online both in Canada and the U.S.
Through my challenges, I was able to
think of this unique, innovative swimsuit for women with varying disabilities.
While this idea was initially inspired by my illness, this type of clothing
could appeal to all women with or without disabilities, creating less hassle
and more freedom. Gone are the days of inaccessible swimsuits and time-consuming
havoc for the mobileWOMAN. We can now relax as the frustrating suits of the
past will be replaced by the new "one-piece two-piece" designs.
I’d like to reach out to each of you,
to share the idea and ask for your opinions. Believe it or not, your opinion is
needed to build this next generation of swimwear. Your ideas, suggestions and
thoughts will be the guiding force behind the final product design. Become a supporter and get a lifetime
loyalty discount for all products that will be developed by Advanced Freedom.
The result will be a more comfortable, accessible, convenient suit for you! I
can be reached at advancedfreedom01@gmail.com.
Also, please support our Kickstarter campaign and help us to reach our goal, making
Advanced Freedom a reality!
What a great idea, yes women need more freedom, specially when our population is aging. Let's get together to make this happen and feel the freedom. Super idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your enthusiasm! I do believe that this idea will be valued by many!
Deleteamazing!!! We need more people like you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Louise!!!! We need this to happen ASAP! Giving and sharing to support!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Louise!!!! We need this to happen ASAP! Giving and sharing to support!
ReplyDeleteHi I agree that we need to develop these ideas ASAP, please back our kickstarter page so we will have the finances to proceed to the next level. Please share our kickstarter with your friends!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we did not reach our goal on kickstarter, but fortunately i got a sponsor that has given me the funding for the prototypes. It takes roughly 6-8 weeks for the prototypes to be made. I will do a second kickstarter which will likely be launched in April. It will be our main fund-raiser that will seek funds for manufacturing.
ReplyDeleteFeb 8/2016