Congressman wears same ‘Super scarf’ over and over

While many people in the public eye wouldn’t want to be caught dead donning the same outfit more than once, Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.) was seen sporting the same distinct accessory most of last week.

But the lawmaker wasn’t shy about being snapped several times by photogs wearing the blue and white scarf, because the toasty clothing item isn’t just about being stylish. It represents something far deeper than that.

Joanne Horak, a cancer survivor, who according to Indiana TV station ABC 57 underwent a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy while fighting the disease in 2010, created the warm neckwear at a knitting group for cancer patients. Items made by the group were shipped off as part of a nationwide program to make scarves for the thousands of volunteers working at Sunday’s Super Bowl in Indianapolis.

Horak says the striped wrap was her first knit creation, telling the affiliate, “I didn’t know how to knit. I never knitted before.” 

Carson heard about Horak’s story and was impressed by her skills with the needle, so he decided to wear the handcrafted accessory out and about for nearly a week leading up to the big game. It has since been dubbed the “Super Scarf.”

Horak says she was excited for the congressman to venture out in the cold while wearing her yarn. Carson could not be reached for comment by press time.

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