'Kindness is contagious': Freehold girl delights child cancer patients with handmade gowns

Every six months, 6-year-old Hazlet resident Julia Gartner visits Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for tests. Julia has a brain tumor, is immunocompromised, and doesn’t exactly look forward to going.

She does, however, enjoy bringing her custom-made hospital gowns along. They’re adorned with patterns of rainbows, unicorns and butterflies. Her favorite gown features Elsa, the princess in "Frozen" of Disney fame.

“It helps make the trip a little bit easier,” said Sabrina Gartner, Julia's mom. "She does not really like wearing the gowns that are at the hospital.”

Julia’s handmade gowns are longer, brighter-colored and come from a special source: Giuliana Demma, an 11-year-old from Freehold Township who sews and sends gowns to pediatric cancer patients around the country.

Julia Gartner of Hazlet wearing a handmade Elsa hospital gown given to her by Giuliana Demma
Julia Gartner of Hazlet wearing a handmade Elsa hospital gown given to her by Giuliana Demma

“I wanted to make gowns for kids who are going through hard times in the hospital as they battle cancer,” Giuliana said. “I’m doing it because it makes me happy knowing what I can do for kids who are fighting for their lives.”

She’s donated 150 gowns so far. They're being worn in Florida, Wisconsin, California and even Canada. Her initiative, “G’s Giving Gowns,” even received corporate backing — $1,000 from ImageFIRST, a national medical laundry provider that cleans and packages Giuliana's gowns to hospital standards.

“Giuliana is truly an inspiration,” mom Vanessa Demma said. “She’s also inspiring her friends, who want to buy sewing machines and help out. She’s really spreading light.”

11-year-old Giuliana Demma, 11, of Freehold creates gowns for pediatric cancer patients. She started a charity that sends her handmade gowns to pediatric cancer patients. She was motivated by a 10-month-old cousin being diagnosed with cancer.   Freehold, NJWednesday, January 12, 2022
11-year-old Giuliana Demma, 11, of Freehold creates gowns for pediatric cancer patients. She started a charity that sends her handmade gowns to pediatric cancer patients. She was motivated by a 10-month-old cousin being diagnosed with cancer. Freehold, NJWednesday, January 12, 2022

Inspired by cousin's battle

The spark came from within the family. A few years back a cousin, Giada Demma, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 9 months old. Vanessa ordered custom-made gowns with Disney patterns for the child, and they were a huge hit.

Fast-forward to 2020. Giuliana got hooked on sewing during a summer camp and received a machine, a Juki, for her birthday. Remembering the gowns they’d sent her cousin, who is in remission now, Giuliana decided to use the machine for a higher purpose. Giada’s mother put her in touch with other pediatric cancer patients and the concept took off from there.

“I size and cut the fabric and sew it,” explained Giuliana, who is a sixth-grader at Barkalow Middle School. “I use bright, fun and colorful patterns because I know it will put a smile on their face.”

11-year-old Giuliana Demma, 11, of Freehold creates gowns for pediatric cancer patients. She started a charity that sends her handmade gowns to pediatric cancer patients. She was motivated by a 10-month-old cousin being diagnosed with cancer.   Freehold, NJWednesday, January 12, 2022
11-year-old Giuliana Demma, 11, of Freehold creates gowns for pediatric cancer patients. She started a charity that sends her handmade gowns to pediatric cancer patients. She was motivated by a 10-month-old cousin being diagnosed with cancer. Freehold, NJWednesday, January 12, 2022

Some of her recipients sought her out first. Others she finds and contact through social media. She takes requests. And she always enjoys getting photos of kids donning her handiwork.

“An act of kindness makes all the difference in the world,” she said, oozing wisdom beyond her years. “Kindness is contagious.”

For example: “People drop off fabrics at our door,” Vanessa Demma said. “It’s such a good lesson for her. When you do something kind, people want to help you.”

11-year-old Giuliana Demma, 11, of Freehold creates gowns for pediatric cancer patients. She started a charity that sends her handmade gowns to pediatric cancer patients. She was motivated by a 10-month-old cousin being diagnosed with cancer.   Freehold, NJWednesday, January 12, 2022
11-year-old Giuliana Demma, 11, of Freehold creates gowns for pediatric cancer patients. She started a charity that sends her handmade gowns to pediatric cancer patients. She was motivated by a 10-month-old cousin being diagnosed with cancer. Freehold, NJWednesday, January 12, 2022

Kids helping kids

Emma Edwards understands. Her daughter, Olivia “Liv” Lipnicky, was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 8. That next summer, the courageous young lady organized a clothing drive that raised $10,000 for cancer research. She died in 2019, but her family continues her mission with “Liv like a Unicorn,” a nonprofit that supports families and the search for a cure.

Each year the charity sends out “Unicorn boxes” of gifts to dozens of kids who are in treatment for brain and spinal-cord conditions. In 2022 those boxes will include Giuliana’s gowns.

“Kids helping kids, we’re a huge proponent of that,” Edwards said. “Any time young children can have such empathy, it’s amazing.”

11-year-old Giuliana Demma, 11, of Freehold creates gowns for pediatric cancer patients. She started a charity that sends her handmade gowns to pediatric cancer patients. She was motivated by a 10-month-old cousin being diagnosed with cancer.   Freehold, NJWednesday, January 12, 2022
11-year-old Giuliana Demma, 11, of Freehold creates gowns for pediatric cancer patients. She started a charity that sends her handmade gowns to pediatric cancer patients. She was motivated by a 10-month-old cousin being diagnosed with cancer. Freehold, NJWednesday, January 12, 2022

And as Edwards saw firsthand, “when a child is in treatment and they can have something with them that’s a little more personal, it makes them feel more comfortable.”

That’s why Sabrina Gartner, Julia’s mom, reached out to Giuliana after reading about G’s Giving Gowns on Facebook. She’s glad she did.

“It gives kids a feeling of knowing they’re loved and cared for by others,” Sabrina said. “They’re not alone in their battle.”

Ditto for the parents.

“It’s a small thing that could mean a lot to somebody,” Gartner said. “When I got the gowns, it was very emotional. We actually cried. It was so nice that someone did that for us.”

For more information on G’s Giving Gowns, or to request a gown or donate, visit www.gsgivinggowns.org. For more information on Liv like a Unicorn, visit www.livlikeaunicorn.org.

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Freehold girl delights pediatric cancer patients with handmade gowns