Nurse couldn’t stand seeing chemo patients struggle with clothes, so she invented her own solution

Whitney Carpenter, an oncology nurse at Levine Cancer Institute in South Carolina, is changing the way chemotherapy patients experience treatment—one shirt at a time. Her thoughtful, handmade port shirts are more than just clothing; they're acts of care, empathy, and innovation.

As featured on CBS News’ Heart of America, Carpenter is getting national attention for creating custom shirts that allow easy access to chest ports used during chemotherapy. Best of all, she provides them to patients at no cost.

"And it's such a rewarding and fulfilling job to have. But just that little act, I hope, makes them smile."

— Whitney Carpenter

What are port shirts?

Chemotherapy patients often have a small device called a port implanted in their chest, allowing healthcare providers to deliver treatment without repeated needle sticks. While lifesaving, ports come with logistical challenges—especially when it comes to clothing.

Traditional clothes can be difficult or awkward to adjust for port access, leaving patients physically uncomfortable and emotionally exposed. Specialized port shirts exist, but many cost over $100, putting them out of reach for people already burdened by mounting medical bills.

Whitney Carpenter with a patient in one of her custom port shirtsAtrium Health

A nurse’s solution from the heart

Carpenter saw how this small but significant detail impacted her patients and decided to do something about it. Using her own sewing skills, she began designing custom shirts with discreet openings—comfortable, functional, and free.

“Because you get to know these people and you care for them in the most difficult time of their lives,” Carpenter explained. “It's such a rewarding and fulfilling job to have, but just that little act, I hope, makes them smile."

"Just that little act, I hope, makes them smile."

— Whitney Carpenter

Making a difference, one shirt at a time

The benefits of Carpenter’s shirts ripple through every treatment session:

• Comfort first: Port access becomes easier and less invasive.
• Dignity preserved: Patients can maintain modesty during treatments.
• Financial relief: With no cost to patients, there's one less thing to worry about.
• Emotional care: A handmade gift reminds patients they matter.

"Patients feel seen. It’s personal, not just clinical."

— CBS News Heart of America

Inspiring change in healthcare

Carpenter’s quiet revolution is sparking a bigger conversation about patient-centered care. Her story, now shared on national platforms like CBS News and celebrated by her team on social media, is a powerful reminder that small ideas can have big impacts.

How can you support?

Carpenter’s story is a call to action for healthcare workers, caregivers, and communities. Anyone can identify gaps in care and look for ways to fill them.

If someone in your life is going through chemo, you can show up in small, meaningful ways. A “chemo go-bag” filled with thoughtful items—like a blanket, ginger candies, puzzle books, and a personal note—can make all the difference on tough treatment days.

Want to help? Consider donating to local cancer support groups or organizations that help provide supplies like port shirts to patients in need. Acts of kindness, like Whitney Carpenter’s, remind us that heart and hope still have a place in healthcare.