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BE-DRY© : Continence, Dignity, and Opportunity

For many children living with bladder exstrophy, staying dry is not just a medical challenge; it impacts their ability to attend school, build confidence, and participate in daily life. BE-DRY©was created to change that.

Why BE-DRY© Matters

Children with bladder exstrophy often experience ongoing urinary leakage, even after surgery. Without access to appropriate continence solutions, many children:
  • are unable to attend school
  • experience social isolation
  • face embarrassment and stigma
  • lack basic dignity in daily life

In many parts of the world, disposable products are not available or affordable leaving children without any reliable solution.

BE-DRY provides a practical, dignified alternative that helps children stay in school and participate more fully in life.

The Reality for Many Children

These are not isolated stories; they reflect the daily reality for many children living with bladder exstrophy around the world. Help Provide BE-DRY ©to a Child
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Annett, a 15-year-old girl, has undergone bladder reconstruction but still experiences continuous leakage. She sits on handmade straw mats, replacing them as they become soaked. She has never attended school though she dreams of learning to sew one day.

Annett

REAL PATIENT

Johnson, an 8-year-old boy, lives in a remote village without access to continence supplies. He wears a dress to avoid soaking clothing and stays close to home to avoid being seen. School is not an option, and he often faces isolation and shame.

Johnson

REAL PATIENT

What Is BE-DRY© ?

BE-DRY© is a first-of-its-kind, reusable continence underwear program developed by the Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community (A-BE-C). It was created specifically to address the real-life challenges of urinary incontinence in children with bladder exstrophy.

Designed for Real Life

BE-DRY© underwear is thoughtfully designed to support comfort, dignity, and daily use. Key Features:
  • Reusable and washable
  • Modular system with replaceable absorbent inserts
  • Skin-safe, breathable materials
  • Discreet design that looks like regular underwear
  • Cost-effective and sustainable
The modular system allows families to reuse the underwear while replacing only the inserts making it practical and scalable, especially in low-resource settings.

BE-DRY© vs Traditional Solutions

Pull-Ups

  • ~1,460 used per year per child
  • Cost: ~$1,500 annually
  • Can leak, smell, and require frequent changes
  • May cause skin irritation
  • Bulky and noticeable
BE-DRY©Underwear
  • Reusable and long-lasting
  • Approximate cost: $75 per kit
  • Breathable, hypoallergenic materials
  • Designed for comfort and discretion
  • Four-layer absorbent inserts for high capacity
  • Supports dignity and confidence

A Global Solution

BE-DRY©is implemented through partnerships with:
  • pediatric urology teams
  • hospitals and clinics
  • international collaborators
  • donors and supporters

Programs are active in regions including:

  • India
  • Uganda
  • United States
A-BE-C serves as the originator, program lead, and steward of BE-DRY©

Program Development & Impact

The BE-DRY © program was launched in 2017 after identifying a critical gap in continence solutions for children.

Since then:

  • Over $50,000 invested in development
  • Years of research, testing, and refinement
  • Global production and distribution
  • Ongoing clinical evaluation

Key Milestones:

  • 2017: Program initiated
  • 2018–2019: Design and prototyping
  • 2020–2022: Pandemic-related pause
  • 2023: First global distribution
  • 2024–2025: Continued research and expansion

Leadership Behind BE-DRY©

BE-DRY ©is led by Pamela Artigas, Executive Director of A-BE-C and parent of a child with bladder exstrophy. Her lived experience drives the program’s focus on:
  • dignity
  • access to education
  • real-world solutions
  • long-term quality of life

Looking Ahead

Many individuals with bladder exstrophy continue to experience incontinence into adolescence and adulthood.

Addressing continence early especially during school-age years can have a lasting impact on:

  • education
  • emotional well-being
  • independence
  • future opportunities
BE-DRY© reflects A-BE-C’s commitment to supporting not just surgical outcomes, but everyday life.

Help Change a Child’s Life

Your support can provide a child with dignity, confidence, and access to education.
Donate Now

BE-DRY© Attribution & Use

BE-DRY© is a proprietary program developed and led by the Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community (A-BE-C). View BE-DRY® Attribution & Use Policy