By ANEEKA SIMONIS
ST John of God (SJOG) hospital in Berwick has launched its free wig library service for cancer sufferers.
The free hair-hire service is open not only to the hospital’s oncology patients, but to all cancer sufferers in the community throughout the duration of their treatment.
Fifty wigs are currently on offer at the oncology unit, brought using more than $37,000 in community donations.
Volunteers will lead the program, having undergone training to fit, style and maintain the wigs available for female, male and teen cancer patients.
The service intends to boost the self-esteem of patients during their difficult treatment process.
SJOG Berwick CEO Lisa Norman spoke at length about the importance of hair to a person’s identity, self-expression and personality at the official launch on Tuesday 5 April.
“For many, it helps us define who we are,” she said.
She thanked the community for the “tsunami of support” enabling the fruition of the two-year project due to expand with demand.
For more on the Community Wig Library, pick up a copy of next week’s Pakenham Gazette.
St John of God hospital CEO Lisa Norman launches the Community Wig Service.
