AMERICAN INVENTORS
Tender B Tanks THANKS TO AMAZON, CAROL LARGENT’S INVENTOR JOURNEY IS TAKING OFF
BY JEREMY LOSAW
20 INVENTORS DIGEST JANUARY 2016
reast cancer and the repercussions from the disease have affected countless lives. In 2015, approximately 230,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,000 women succumbed to the disease. Although awareness campaigns have raised millions of dollars to fund research to find a cure, there is an immediate need to help those undergoing breast cancer treatment and surgery with their daily struggles. Carol Largent is a breast-cancer survivor who understands what is like to live with and battle through the disease. She developed Tender Tanks to make her fight more comfortable and dignified. Tender Tanks is an adjustable tank top that is designed to give greater daily independence to women recovering from breast cancer surgeries. Patients recuperating from
a mastectomy cannot raise their arms over their heads, so it is difficult to get dressed. Tender Tanks, which are made from a stretchy Lycra blend, feature adjustable shoulder straps that fasten with Velcro. The straps can come apart, which allows the wearer to step into the shirt and pull it into place. The straps can be adjusted to provide a comfortable level of support, depending on the stage of treatment. Tender Tanks also allow easy access to the breast area during doctor visits, and the oversized armholes provide room for a post-surgery drainage tube to exit the shirt without being disturbed. The stretchy fabric adjusts to a woman’s changing shape. To further impact women going through the breastcancer journey, the inspirational message “Find your inner strength, stay positive and repeat ‘I Can!’ ” is sewn into each tank. photos by gayle r ollins