Sew Much Comfort makes custom designed clothing for the special needs of injured soldiers to provide comfort and dignity during their rehabilitation.

Founder Ginger Dosedel writes:

"Our organization began in December, when my son suggested I sew some adaptive clothing for the soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He had seen them on a TV interview and identified with their clothing plight. Mike, himself, had endured external fixators similar to many of the returning injured. When I realized how many soldiers were in need, I immediately recruited some friends in Minnesota (Michele Cuppy and DeDee Galligan). We have been working to attract sewers and materials ever since!

When the word spread at Walter Reed about the fixator pants and boxers, the amputees asked if we could create adaptive pants to address their unique needs. That done, the soldiers with arm amputations and external fixators asked for adaptive clothing to address their needs. It is the most touching and important project I have ever undertaken, except my son's Chemotherapy/Radiation and secondary treatments.

When I go to Walter Reed, I know that these men and women appreciate the hard work that goes into making these clothing and that they feel the love in every stitch! It is a very practical method of support from the American people to their troops. I find it particularly moving because these are the troops that are so often neglected. They have given so much and we are able to help them adapt and return to independence and normalcy in at least this area of their life.

Today I checked up on a young soldier who received our first adaptive t-shirt two weeks ago. He was wearing his t-shirt and was very appreciative. He said that it made his recuperation much easier and gave him the ability to feel like he could 'manage this' - after all he can dress himself! Now he told me he knows he will be able to handle 'normal' things, like helping take care of his two month old daughter."

Ginger was asked to provide a wish list:

"Wow! As with all endeavors of this nature, financial support is always important. We have seamstresses around the country working to support this effort. In doing so, we end up spending a great deal on shipping. Right now, many of the seamstresses are supplying their own materials. This breaks my heart. They give so much of themselves in the actual sewing, I would love to be able to relieve this burden from them! We also need basic clothing for adaptation: t-shirts (L,XL,XXL), boxers(M,L,XL), 'boy shorts' for the women(M,L), and polo shirts (L,XL,XXL). In addition, we need fabric (or store coupons) in order to make the clothing that is made by hand, Velcro, elastic and snaps.

Any support your group could give would be tremendously appreciated and immediately put to use! We cannot keep up with the demand for our clothing! I wish I could tell you that I see an end in the near future, but unfortunately I think we will be seeing more troops with these injuries. If anyone [you know] can sew, we always welcome fresh hands at the sewing wheel!"