AARP Hearing Center
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If you’ve ever cared for someone experiencing medical hair loss, you know how soul-crushing that loss can be. It may be caused by chemotherapy, surgery, a burn or alopecia. Whatever the circumstances, losing hair can take a toll on a loved one’s self-esteem and identity, when they’re already feeling exceedingly vulnerable.
Wig construction, design and availability have come a long way over the past several decades, but tasteful, attractive wigs can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, often leaving people to settle for uncomfortable, ill-fitting wigs, or no wig at all.
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“Research has told us that wigs play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for cancer patients,” says Brooke Street, director of online support programs at the American Cancer Society. “And we know that providing wigs to those who are financially disadvantaged empowers them. It reduces distress. And it allows them to navigate through their cancer journey with increased confidence and self-esteem.” No one wants to be defined by cancer, Street adds. “They want to continue to look like mom or grandma, aunt or sister — they just want to look like themselves. And through wigs or headwear, you can continue to have that self-identity and that confidence while you’re dealing with your cancer treatment and everything else going on.”
Recognizing the need for free and low-cost hairpieces, these organizations, listed alphabetically, have stepped in to help.
CancerCare.org
Tonya Potts, CancerCare’s senior programs operations manager and wig-fitting specialist, remembers when she started wearing a wig during her treatment for breast cancer. “I was very reluctant,” she says. “I wasn’t comfortable. However, I learned to let wigs be my best friend. And that journey has given me the opportunity to not be tied down to one style.”
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