Wigs Needed for Cancer Patients

CancerCare of Connecticut is collecting new and gently used wigs for women who lose their hair while undergoing treatment for cancer. The organization which provides free wigs to women in cancer treatment is facing critically low inventory levels and seeks to replenish its supply.

  “It is so important to women to continue to look good while coping with the challenge of cancer,” said Lisa Cannella, regional director of the organization “We hope to never have to disappoint a woman who would like to match her current color and style as closely as possible. New wig donations are wonderful but even gently used wigs are a great help. We have professional hairdressers who volunteer their time to clean and restyle them.”

 Sandra Tripodi, CancerCare of Connecticut’s director of social services, reported the supply of donated wigs has dwindled recently because of the general economic downturn and also probably because wigs have become less fashionable. “Hair loss resulting from chemotherapy,” Tripodi says, “is one of the most distressing aspects of cancer treatment for many women. It is unpleasant at best and traumatic at worst but coping with hair loss is often a part of the treatment experience. If we can help a woman to look her best, her improved confidence will help her to approach treatment in a more positive manner.”

  Evangeline Karayanis of Greenwich, a cancer survivor and CancerCare of Connecticut volunteer, speaks with firsthand knowledge of what wigs mean to cancer patients. “They help you to feel good about yourself when you go out in public and do simple tasks like going to the store or to the post office.”

To donate call Sandra Tripodi at 203.854.9911 or e-mail her at [email protected]. CancerCare of Connecticut provides free, professional support services to anyone in Connecticut affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs—including counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help—are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge. Last year more than 3,000 Connecticut adults, children and families were served. Find out more at Cancercare.org.