Boosting the confidence of cancer patients one wig at a time
13 Jun 2024
Since the establishment of the day oncology unit at St John of God Berwick Hospital, caregivers and volunteers have seen firsthand the detrimental impact that hair loss can have on the self-confidence and emotional wellbeing of cancer patients. As a result, in early 2016 the hospital launched a community wig service to provide support to anyone in the community experiencing hair loss due to cancer.
A team of compassionate caregivers and volunteers run the service and have been trained to fit, style and maintain the wigs. Among them is Patient Care Assistant and Wig Coordinator, Dianne Hatch who was driven to the role from her own personal experience.
“I decided to take on this role and help run the service as I can understand how patients feel when going through hair loss, after experiencing hair loss myself due to chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2008,” said Dianne.
“I wanted to help continue the wonderful service that we provide free to those in our community experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer.
“The volunteers and I feel great satisfaction when patients leave a wig fitting full of smiles and feel good about themselves.”
The wig service is a Social Outreach and inclusive community initiative with many wig donations coming from the Berwick community, including the Berwick Opportunity Shop and the Inner Wheel Club of Berwick.
“We receive two yearly donations from these two groups to purchase new wigs, hairbrushes, hair nets and small bottles of shampoo and conditioners,” said Dianne.
Throughout the years, the wig service has expanded to meet increasing demand. Today, it boasts an impressive collection of over 300 wigs, all thanks for the wonderful donations and support of the community.
Community members interested in using this service are encouraged to schedule an appointment, during which they will be guided by Dianne and a dedicated volunteer to find their perfect wig. The wigs can be borrowed for as long as needed and returned once no longer required. After each use, the wigs are professionally cleaned and stored, ready for the next person.
You can read more about the community wig service here.
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