Free wigs give renewed confidence to women battling hair loss

Leesburg resident Jamie Meyer heard words she didn’t want to hear this past July. Unexplained internal bleeding led her to AdventHealth Waterman for a CT scan, revealing non-small cell carcinoma in her lower right lung.

This marked the beginning of her journey through cancer treatment.

“Both my parents had cancer, and I have friends who battled breast cancer,” said Meyer. “I could empathize with them, but until you face it yourself, you can’t truly know what it’s like.”

Navigating through cancer

Over the following months, Meyer leaned on the team of specialists at AdventHealth Waterman who guided her every step of the way.

The hospital’s Cancer Institute became a second home, where she underwent 33 radiation sessions and six rounds of chemotherapy.

Hair loss, a visual reminder of her battle, was a particularly difficult hurdle.

When Meyer completed her final chemotherapy treatment, she rang the cancer center’s bell, celebrating the end of her treatment and the start of a new chapter.

That same day, Meyer had another reason to celebrate. She along with 30 other cancer patients received free makeovers by students from Paul Mitchell The School Orlando and two new wigs.

This special celebration was part of AdventHealth Waterman’s opening of the hospital’s Strands of Hope Wig Boutique.

“From the doctors to nurses and staff, everyone has been so encouraging and helpful,” said Meyer. “Seeing all these beautiful ladies and feeling so cared for – it is overwhelming in the best way.”

Wig boutique opens with two partners

The boutique at AdventHealth Waterman is support through a partnership with EBeauty Community, a nonprofit that provides wigs to women facing medically related hair loss.

AdventHealth Waterman Foundation also plays a vital role, providing funding to ensure all wigs in the boutique are free to those who need them.

"When women face difficult health experiences – like cancer – their appearance often gets neglected because they don't feel great inside," said Mable Valdivia, AdventHealth Waterman Foundation executive director. “For many women, their hair is a big part of their identity. This boutique offers a way for them to feel beautiful again – both inside and out.”

Boutique operations

Anyone in the community battling medical-related hair loss in need of a wig can call the Strands of Hope Wig Boutique at Call352-253-3047 to schedule a fitting appointment.

Experience the magic of transformation with EBeauty' Community’s stunning slideshow, where patients are pampered with glamorous makeovers and fabulous wigs. Each frame tells a story of hope, strength and the power of feeling seen.

Women’s choice

AdventHealth Waterman’s commitment to exceptional cancer care received national recognition again. In 2025, the hospital was ranked was ranked among the top 11% of 4,675 hospitals offering cancer care services in the U.S. 

Pictured below: Gayle Ackerman and Debra Parris, AdventHealth Waterman incredible volunteers, held an open house at the Strands of Hope Wig Boutique inside the AdventHealth Cancer Institute at Waterman.