Medical Reports: Fashion with a Cause

WSVN -- Alana Nicoletti has diabetes.

Mireille Nicoletti: "She was on three injections a day."

To get it under control the doctor put her on an insulin pump.

Mireille Nicoletti: "She started on the insulin pump on April 2006."

But figuring out where to wear the pump became a problem.

Mireille Nicoletti: "She wanted to wear dresses, and when we were out in public, in order to have access to the insulin pump, we had to lift her dress up. Well, that was uncomfortable for her at the age of six."

That's when Mireille decided to make her daughter a dress with a pump pocket.

Mireille Nicoletti: "She loved them. She was happy. She thought, 'This is great.' She jumped around. It was carefree."

They decided to start the Alana-Mireille Apparel line, and a Miami manufacturer helped them do it.

Manuel Cordero: "What she was making didn't really exist. She just didn't know that it was doable as a production item to sell to the public."

Manual Cordero from MX Sewing started manufacturing the dresses.

Manuel Cordero: "Anything that is new and innovative is exciting, so we are thrilled to be kind of hand chosen to do this."

This is how the pocket works.

Mireille Nicoletti: "It has a velcro underneath, and then it's velcro on the side, so that the pump and all of the tubing is concealed.

The benefits are immense. The pump is locked in place.

Manuel Cordero: "It gives them a sense of security. You don't have to worry as much if the baby is sleeping. You know the pump is not going to fall off just because she turned over."

It's comfortable for both the child and parent, and it looks natural.

Mireille Nicoletti: "As a mom, it just makes you feel so good to see her happy, and that's the most important thing for me."

The dresses range from $24 to $30 and go from 2T to 14 in girls. For Manuel, it brings a sense of personal gratification.

Manuel Cordero: "I'm a parent myself and knowing that you're doing something for a kid that has a need, you know, how can you say no?"

And due to high demand, the line now has PJs, pants and shorts.

Diana Diaz: "The next step, designing a similar pocket for boys, teens and, eventually, women."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Alana-Mireille Apparel
508-291-1438
http://www.alana-mireilleapparel.com/

MX Sewing
13171 NW 42 Ave.
Opa Locka, FL 33054
305-953-1133