Organization helps women cancer patients buy wigs, deal with treatment
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For some women, hair loss during chemotherapy only adds to the devastation of a diagnosis of cancer.
To make matters worse, most insurance companies do not pay for wigs, said Bonny Diver-Hall, a breast cancer survivor and founder of a nonprofit organization called Hair Peace.
Hair Peace provides women being treated for cancer with $100 toward the purchase of a wig.
Two years ago, Mrs. Diver-Hall, of Avalon, discovered that she had breast cancer.
"I had mammograms every year once I turned 40, and they never showed anything. Then I fell off my horse and broke my shoulder blade," she said. "When I was lying on the couch, feeling my bruises, I found a lump."
During treatment of her cancer, Mrs. Diver-Hall, 46, a local radio announcer, became an advocate of cancer awareness and self-exams by women.
"People would hear me on the air and would contact me to come and talk to their groups," said Mrs. Diver-Hall, who has worked for a number of local radio stations. "That is when my doctor told me I should help local women." So she started her organization, which not only helps cancer patients buy wigs but also offers emotional support.
Mrs. Diver-Hall credits her faith with assisting her fight against cancer, so she wanted to have a faith-based organization.
Referrals come to Mrs. Diver-Hall through friends, fellow church members, doctors and those who see the brochures she has distributed. Hair Peace is working now with 15 women, Mrs. Diver-Hall said, and she received another referral Monday.
She also helps the women in other ways. "Many need other things. Women like to have control of their life, and they lose control with cancer. We try to give them some normalcy," she said.
Assistance can come in the form of meals provided by her church -- Ingomar United Methodist -- prayer chains or just through listening. "Some of these women just want someone else to talk to who has been in the same situation," she said.
Laurie McCoy, of Crescent, is a breast cancer survivor who lost her hair after chemotherapy. She has received a wig with Mrs. Diver-Hall's help. "I wasn't going to get a wig, but Bonny talked me into it," she said. Ms. McCoy is still receiving the treatments. "It hasn't been easy. The chemo is really draining, but Bonny has been so wonderful," she said.
"She has given me courage and has helped in sharing her experience with me. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, and she has helped me though it," she said.
Debbie Glatz, of Ross, was just diagnosed with breast cancer but she knows she wants a wig. "I have four kids, and my husband and I are very active in the community. My biggest fear is losing my hair."
Mrs. Glatz said she was most concerned about her two boys, ages 13 and 11. "I don't want to show up places with them looking like an alien with no hair," she said. "I am a nurse, so I know what people go through when they have chemo. I want to get a wig before I lose my hair."
She found Mrs. Diver-Hall's name through her doctor's office and talked to her right away. "I also went to a relaxation seminar that she had and met her there. Everyone has come out of the woodwork to be helpful."
Mrs. Diver-Hall had radiation therapy instead of chemotherapy so she didn't lose her hair during her own battle with cancer.
Some of those who contact her may not need money but they want the support she provides. "They will tell me to use the money for someone else, but they still need other things," she said.
One of the things may be a prayer quilt made by members of her church. The threads on the corners of the prayer quilts are left untied so that as people pass a quilt at the church, they say a prayer and tie a thread.
The quilts are given to the women to place on their laps during chemotherapy. "They can look at the quilt and know that someone has tied every one of those knots and prayed for them -- someone they don't even know," Mrs. Diver-Hall said.
Hair Peace held its first fund-raiser, a jazz concert, in October. "Other than that, I'm getting donors to write checks," Mrs. Diver-Hall said.
A second fund-raiser is planned for Saturday, when local celebrities will cook their favorite recipes and a wine tasting and live music will be part of the event. The fund-raiser will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at Sweetwater Center for the Arts, 200 Broadway St., Sewickley. Tickets are $40 and may be reserved by calling Ingomar United Methodist Church at 412-364-3613 or by e-mailing Mrs. Diver-Hall at bdiver1@verizon.net.
First Published February 16, 2006 12:00 am
