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Lawrence native bringing veteran-focused health business back home

Brian Mohika is a registered nurse, he invented -- and patented -- a type of medical underwear designed for patients that wear catheters and bags.

"They can’t wear shorts, they can’t wear skirt can’t wear a dress, can’t go golfing in warm weather climate, they have to long pants and keep it concealed," Mohika said.

The Lawrence native designed the medical underwear, called Cathwear, after he noticed bags would often slide down patients legs who were recovering from surgery to their liver or kidneys. Mohika says it allows them a little more privacy and dignity.

"We designed it so it replaces the patient's normal underwear. So it’s a normal feel of an underwear and it keeps the bag and everything concealed as the patient moves around," he explained.

Mohika is a U.S. Air Force veteran. According to Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, Cathwear is the first and only certified veteran-owned and minority-owned business in Lawrence.

“He could’ve easily brought it to Boston, could’ve brought it anywhere, but to be right here in Lawrence and help out his local community that is amazing to us,” Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce President Michael Bevilacqua said.

As the company continues to grow, Mohika plans to hire and manufacture solely in the Merrimack Valley and help with its rebirth following the devastating gas explosions.

"We grew up extremely poor here in Lawrence in our family, so we didn’t want to make it -- I know what if feels like to not be able to afford something -- so I wanted to make it so that it was affordable to everyone," he said.

Cathwear costs $4 and the company says it is covered by Medicare. They also plan to launch a pediatric line very soon.

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