Free Wigs for Cancer Patients
From LoveToKnow Hair
Free wigs for cancer patients are widely available to individuals who cannot afford to purchase their own.
Hair Loss during Cancer Treatment
Coping with hair loss is just one of many aspects of cancer treatment that patients must deal with. The hair begins to fall out due to follicles that are weakened as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Many individuals eventually consider wearing wigs for this reason.
Wigs for Medical Hair Loss
Style and comfort go hand in hand when it comes to finding a suitable wig for medical hair loss. Important as it might be to find a wig that looks great, it's just as essential to choose one that is soft, comfortable and easy to wear. Unfortunately, wigs do not come cheap. The burden of purchasing an affordable, high-quality piece can add to the stress and expense of an already tumultuous time. It is for this reason that several organizations offer free wigs for cancer patients.
Where to Find Free Wigs for Cancer Patients
If you or someone you love can't afford a wig, you're in luck. Several reputable organizations provide free wigs to individuals in need.
American Cancer Society
Many local chapters of the American Cancer Society (ACS) provide free wigs through their wig banks. In order to determine if a chapter near you is donating wigs, visit the official ACS office locator here.
The ACS has also teamed with the Entertainment Industry Foundation to distribute free wigs donated by the Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths campaign. Relying on ponytail donations from women across the country, the campaign creates the wigs and distributes them to ACS wig banks located across the country. If you are interested in obtaining a free wig, contact ACS at 1-877-227-1596.
CancerCare
CancerCare, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing completely free and professional support services to cancer patients and anyone affected by the disease, offers wigs at no charge. Take advantage of this service by contacting CancerCare here.
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
Women with limited resources can take advantage of the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization's wig and prosthesis bank. This service provides up to 500 wigs annually to patients, along with wig care and styling tips and a 24 hour phone hotline. These services are made free thanks to the support of the organization's donors. If you're interested in receiving a free wig, contact Y-ME's 24 hour hotline at 1-800-221-2141 to speak with a peer counselor.
Duke Cancer Patient Support Program
The Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a variety of support groups for patients at the hospital and within the local community. Among them is the Wig and Turban Program, which offers free wigs in various styles and colors, as well as turbans and hats (also provided at no charge to the patient).
The Duke program is just one example of hundreds of similar programs across the country (another is the University of Michigan's Comprehensive Cancer Center Wig Bank Program).To find out if a facility near you offers a free hairpiece service, contact your local ACS chapter or community hospital for further information.
Wigs for Kids
Children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive a wig free of charge from Wigs for Kids. This non-profit organization relies on the donation of ponytails to create wigs for children. To request a free wig, simply fill out the form located here.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Many local chapters of Susan G. Komen for the Cure offer wigs free of charge to patients. To find a Komen affiliate in your area, visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Affiliate locator.
Wig Alternatives
When the weather heats up, a wig can often make the head feel itchy and hot. On days like those, scarves, caps, bandanas and turbans serve as comfortable alternatives. These products are typically more affordable than a wig and are offered in a variety of fashionable styles.
Cancer patients may already have budgets ravaged by the expenses of treating this insidious disease, and free wigs for cancer patients can not only help relieve the financial burden but also the emotional one of coping with hair loss during this traumatic period.
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Comments
Noreen - Many of the free wigh organizations do not specifically require that the condition resulting in hair loss be cancer, but it should be medically related. I recommend contacting different agencies for their requirements - some only provide wigs for children, others have income restrictions. Best wishes!
-- Contributed by: MayntzKristin - We are not a hair collection agency, but there are many organizations that accept hair to provide wigs for children. Check out Donating Hair for Cancer Victims and Hair Donation to Cancer Patients for more information.
-- Contributed by: MayntzDo you know where a person undergoing chemotherapy for a disease other than cancer can get a free wig for their hair loss?
-- Contributed by: Noreen L PlantzThis page has been accessed 25,827 times. This page was last modified 02:34, 18 June 2009.
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