Giuliana Demma, 13, has been sewing and donating hospital gowns to sick children across the country for several years now. Her cousin Audrina, who is also a keen sewer, helps her out with the project which they call “Gowns For Ghouls.
Inspired by little Giada Demma’s sad appearance in an ill-fitting hospital gown when she was fighting cancer, Giuliana decided to do something about it. She and Audrina have made over 1,800 gowns for children in 36 states and three African nations, as well as sending T-shirts with zippers added for infusion ports.
Giuliana remembers thinking that Giada deserved something nicer than the drab green hospital gown she was wearing, so decided to do something about it. She and Audrina have sewn and donated brightly colored playfully patterned gowns in Disney princess designs. They’ve even sent them to Uganda, with three other African nations set to receive them this fall.
Giuliana says she loves hearing from the children who receive their gowns – many of whom are undergoing cancer treatment or are otherwise sick. I want them to feel confident and know that they’re an inspiration, they’re loved and they’re strong and they’re brave,” Giuliana said.
Their project is supported by the Starbucks Foundation and other charitable organizations, as well as volunteers from their family, local seamstresses, a church youth group, and even Audrina’s school, which has helped out with making pillows for the young patients.
Giuliana wants to be a cancer surgeon when she grows up, and says that her project has given her a sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping others. If everyone could be like this, our world would be a better place,” Giuliana said.
