10/05/2026
Meet Sekou, one of our very special Zip Kids! 🪐
For children spending months in the hospital, the little things can make a world of difference.
At Riley Hospital for Children, Certified Childlife Specialist Maddie Rodriguez helps create moments of comfort, normalcy and joy for patients and families. For little Sekou, that includes something as simple and meaningful as choosing what he wants to wear.
He’s awaiting a liver transplant and may spend many more months in the hospital. Through it all, he remains a little boy who loves to play, giggle and snuggle with his mom.
Each morning, Maddie holds up different Zip With Us® Zip Shirts™ and lets Sekou choose his favorite. He happily points to the one he wants – a small but meaningful moment of independence, choice and self expression.
His Zip With Us® shirts help keep him comfortable safe and ready to play even with his central line.
As Maddie shared, “Athough it may seem small, allowing him to have his own style and ability to feel safe and free to play makes the world of difference.”
And that is exactly why we do what we do.
Adaptive clothing isn’t just about accessing a medical line or device. It’s about helping children feel like children when so much of their world revolves around being a patient.
For Sekou’s mom, even something as ordinary as doing his laundry brings a sense of purpose and normalcy during an incredibly difficult season. Choosing an outfit, getting dressed and doing laundry are simple pieces of everyday life – but they matter.
We are so grateful for our partnership with Riley Hospital for Children and for Childlife Specialists like Maddie, who understand the importance of these seemingly small moments.
And to our generous donors and supporters: thank you for making it possible for Zip With Us® adaptive clothing to be provided FREE to infants and children across the country.
Because comfort matters.
Dignity matters.
Choice matters.
Kids being kids matters.
Keep playing, giggling, snuggling, and choosing your favorite shirts Sekou. We are honored to be a small part of your journey. 🫶🏻
