Imagine waking up in the morning to find clumps of hair on your pillow. Then you look in the mirror and know you are at the point where you may have to shave the rest of your hair off. You no longer recognise yourself. Whether it’s a good day or a bad day, each glance is a constant reminder that you have cancer.
Thanks to a generous donor, the Wig Library is a unique service that Chris O’Brien Lifehouse can provide free of charge for our patients. With over 200 styles to choose from, the coordinator of our make-shift hair salon, Karen Heath, helps patients to find their perfect match.
For those who are facing hair loss from cancer treatment, having someone say, “Don’t worry, I've got you,” makes a significant difference. Boosting confidence and increasing positivity play a vital role in our patient's outcomes. But most importantly, it puts a smile on their faces.
A wig can help remedy feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation and restore a sense of self. There is no need to avoid the mirror any longer. A wig has the power to repair whatever confidence or sense of identity that was lost. While looking good isn’t what matters, it is a contributing factor to feeling good.
Jennifer had been feeling distressed about losing her hair, so her appointment at the wig library couldn’t come soon enough. Before she knew it, she was discussing her options with Karen; What colour? What style? What length? The possibilities were almost endless...
“After two happy trials, bingo! A perfect match!”
Equipped with her wig and some tips and tricks on how to look after her new hairdo, Jennifer’s journey home to rural NSW looked a little brighter. The choir was singing in the atrium, sending her off to “What a wonderful world”, it felt like a movie moment. With a renewed sense of confidence and a hop in her step, she left the hospital, now homeward bound.
“I feel greatly blessed to have had this experience at the Wig Library. It has made such a difference right at the time I needed it the most.” -Jennifer.
If you or a loved one would like to know more about accessing the Wig Library, please contact the Living Room at livingroom@lifehouse.org.au
If you want to support patient services like our empowering Wig Library, you can donate here or you can learn more about other services that are available at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse by subscribing here.
*We have changed the patient’s name to protect her privacy.
