Women experiencing medical-related hair loss receive free wigs, makeovers

Jamie Meyer, of Leesburg, Florida, heard words in July that she didn't want to hear.

Unexplained internal bleeding brought her to AdventHealth Waterman for a CT scan that revealed that she had non-small cell carcinoma in her lower right lung.

That marked the beginning of her journey through cancer treatment.

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

"It makes me feel like somebody cares."

In the months that followed, Meyer leaned on the team of specialists at AdventHealth Waterman that guided her through every step of the way.

The hospital's Cancer Institute became her second home. There, she underwent 33 radiation sessions and six rounds of chemotherapy.

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

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 two new wigs and free makeovers by students from Paul Mitchell The School Orlando.

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," Meyer said. "Seeing all these beautiful ladies and feeling so cared for -- it is overwhelming in the best way."

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

The AdventHealth Waterman Foundation also plays a vital role by providing funding to ensure that 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, the Foundation's 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."

Click here to read more about the boutique.