Caring for the whole person with Everviolet
Recently, I had a lovely conversation with Keira Kotler, founder and CEO of Everviolet, a beautiful lingerie & loungewear collection to nurture and soothe women’s bodies after treatment for breast and GYN cancers — including lumpectomy, mastectomy, x-plant surgery, reconstruction, cosmetic procedures, oophorectomies, hysterectomies and more. Keira and I had connected at a recent breast cancer conference called RISE UP. I was intrigued to hear her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer and catalyzing that to support and empower other women. Her story reminds me that when one of us thrives, we all thrive.
Keira shared that along with the rollercoaster of emotions that follows such a diagnosis, she had to navigate her relationship with her changing body, psychologically and physically. As someone who was always into fitness, having limited mobility during recovery was trying. She also found herself yearning for lingerie that reflected her femininity and functionally supported her recovery needs. Though she initially thought she was being superficial for being so affected by undergarments, she soon realized that her experience was not unique.
Countless other breast cancer survivors admitted their similar desires. Their stories reinforced a truth she had sensed–as long as the person was wearing uncomfortable garments, they were reminded of their cancer experience. Once they were wearing clothes they felt comfortable in, they felt confident to move back into life with zest and fullness. Keira realized that she was restoring dignity to women who had felt like a diagnosis first and a human second.
This interview reinforced a sense I’ve had for a while–the treatment of cancer and other chronic illnesses can so often have the effect of patients feeling like a collection of body parts, rather than a whole person. Let’s excise this piece, or radiate that section. While patients are grateful for modern technology that makes such treatment feasible, we need more for our whole selves.
What about the psychological experience of going through cancer? What space is there for the existential questions that inevitably arise? Will I survive? How do I orient my life? What treatments do I choose for the quality of life that is meaningful to me? Am I still a woman if my breasts or other female organs are chopped off? What space is there for caring for the subjective experience of putting on your bra again, only to be confronted with its utter disregard for your new frame and mobility?
I’m so thankful that innovative, forward thinking women like Keira synthesized her experience to generate such care and dignity for countless others. What a gift Everviolet is to those emerging from a disorienting time of grief–an invitation to be held as a full person and body.
For anyone interested in trying Everviolet, Keira is happy to offer 20% off with code: WTGLP20 as well as complimentary fit and style consultations via email, live chat and Zoom. Email hello@everviolet.com to schedule an appointment.
