Vote for Alex - 15 year old dyslexic entrepreneur designs bra to detect breast cancer ‘Bra with Benefits’
Monday 3 July 2017
Aged 15, Alex entered and won the Wearable Technology category at the 2016 National TeenTech Awards. Her product, Bra with Benefits is a cancer-detecting bra, designed to identify early stage cancer before any outward signs are visible.
Alex commented, “I am dyslexic – when I was eight I couldn’t read or write. I was inspired to take part in the TeenTech Awards by some girls in the year above me. I’m so glad I did. Now, I just want to really encourage other children and teenagers not to be limited by labels and follow their dreams.”
Alexandria is driven by a desire to make a difference, and experienced first-hand the impact of breast cancer in her own family. As part of the process designing her innovative underwear she’s worked with leading scientists in the US and UK to validate and develop her ideas and designs.
To help get this message out there Alexandria spoke to 150 Year 8 and Year 9 pupils at Winchester Science Centre on International Women’s Day to share her story. She will also be returning to speak at her previous specialist dyslexia school later this year, during National Dyslexia week.
Alexandria is currently pursuing the further development of her product whilst working towards her GCSEs. Please support Alex to make a difference in recognition of her ground-breaking design and follow on outreach work Alex has been shortlisted for a further award, Tech4Good. If you would like to vote for Alex please visit https://www.tech4goodawards.com/finalist/brawithbenefits/ also tweet # #T4GBraWithBenefits voting closes at 5pm on Friday 7th July.
Dr Louise Clayton, Head of Science at Alton Convent commented, “We are incredibility proud of Alex. She is an ambassador not only for girls in science but for others with dyslexia, showing the world that dyslexics can be exceptional lateral thinkers, with incredible creativity and intelligence, gifted for problem solving. Thank you to everyone who has already voted for Alex and to those who might vote today.”