Sachem Alum Launches Bosom Buddies

Renee Lewando had a whirlwind summer in 2008. Her daughter was the victim of a violent crime and her father-in-law passed away. To think, a bra is the answer to her personal issues with the emotionally daunting situations.

"I spent many hours in the ICU waiting room with my father-in-law," said Lewando, 50, a Sachem alumnus from the Class of '78 and a resident of Patchogue. "I also needed constant access to my daughter at all times. Hospital ICU's do not allow you to have or use a cell phone. I found myself with no choice but to put my cell phone on vibrate and tuck it into the curve of my breast. It fit there perfectly, out of sight, right at hand."

The creative juices started flowing shortly after and this month she launched her own company, Bosom Buddies, which sells sports bras dubbed the "Buddie Bra" that have pockets for easy storage.

"It's a bra that solves the problem girls, young women and beautiful ladies deal with every day," she said. "'Where do I keep my cell phone while I'm jogging, at the gym, shopping, gardening, walking, or at the office?'"

Designed with two pockets, for left or right hand accessibility, the Buddie Bra is the only sports bra with pockets to hold your cell phone. It has lined pockets designed specifically to hold your phone, but can also accommodate your key, ID or anything you need to keep close at hand, while leaving your hands free.

"Something as simple as tripping over a stone and falling or being grabbed by someone, knowing you took every precaution to have a source of communication for help if need be is key," she said.

The bra comes in seven colors: black, white, sassy pink, jewel blue, lilac lavender, autumn tie-dye and pink camo. It's 90 percent cotton and 10 percent spandex and has a liner with two pockets situated diagonally on each breast. The product is manufactured in New Jersey and sells for $24, plus shipping and handling.

"My intention is driven by, what I believe is a necessity," she said, "to provide a product that will leave people hands-free to enjoy their personal tasks with peace of mind and have a 'buddy' with them at all times. It is my overwhelming belief that no one should leave their home without a buddy."

For further information visit the company's website, email bosombuddiesboutique@yahoo.com or call 631-627-6513.