08/18/2026
At eight years old, Katie Vanarnam received a medical chest port as she began chemotherapy treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This port created easier access for the medical staff to administer her treatment and put less stress on her veins.
At her first treatment, Katie and her parents did not know what to expect. For full access to the port, Katie had to lift her shirt all the way up to her neck and this left her feeling exposed and uncomfortable.
That night, Katie’s mom Casey immediately went into action, taking one of her old soccer shirts and cut from the collar to where Katie’s port was located and added velcro to open and close access as necessary. This was the very first Courage Tee and when Katie received treatment the next day, she was able to sit comfortably in her new shirt.
Katie has now been cancer free for twelve years and is a senior at the University of Southern California! Both Katie and Casey’s passion for providing comfort and functional clothing for those receiving treatment via port continues today in the creation of Courage Tees. Their shirts utilize plastic snaps so they can even be worn during diagnostic tests in addition to receiving treatment.
To learn more about Courage Tees or to purchase a shirt for a loved one please visit https://www.couragetees.com/.
