AdventHealth Waterman launches the “Strands of Hope Wig Boutique” with makeovers and wig styling provided by student volunteers and presents a $10,000 donation to the cancer center.

The “Beautiful You” event, celebrating the opening of the Strands of Hope Wig Boutique, was held at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares on October 17.

Students from Paul Mitchell Orlando volunteered their time and talents to offer free wig styling, makeup, and pampering sessions to local cancer patients. This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Waterman Foundation and the EBeauty Community for Cancer Support.

Mabel Valdivia, Executive Director of the foundation, believes Lake County can greatly benefit from a program like this.

“We know that for women, losing their hair can be devastating,” Mabel says. “Having the wig boutique is like having a little oasis of normalcy during treatment.” She also wants patients to know they aren’t alone on their journey, as Waterman believes in a community approach to care.

The partnership will provide complimentary wigs in a private, supportive “boutique” environment to help women facing the additional challenges of cancer treatment. This program is part of the comprehensive care—including wigs, health, beauty, and volunteering—that the EBeauty Community brings to cancer patients.

Carolyn Keller, founder of EBeauty, started the program after multiple family members were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. While their insurance covered medical costs, it didn’t include the beauty-related aspects of treatment. Carolyn purchased a wig for her sister-in-law, Laura Jirsa, which sparked the idea for the program.

“I realized there was a need for all women going through the same thing,” Carolyn says. “So back in 2012/2013, we started a basic website and asked for wigs to be donated. That was 100,000 wigs ago.”

Laura, now the Director of Program Development for EBeauty, was the first recipient of a donated wig. Both Carolyn and Laura believe care should be comprehensive, addressing both the inside and the outside—especially for women.

“If you look good, you feel better,” says Laura. “When you’re in treatment and trying to escape the terrible physical effects of harsh treatments like chemo, every little bit helps.”

EBeauty is based in Maryland, and this is their first partnership in Florida. It’s an important milestone because while cancer affects people of all ages, it tends to occur later in life for many women. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of diagnosis is 62, with most cases occurring post-menopause. Since the median age in Central Florida is rising, Lake County is a vital location for this program.

T’Meda Holt, a learning leader at Paul Mitchell Beauty in Orlando, brought 14 student volunteers aged 20-44 to the event. For T’Meda, her inspiration to give back comes from personal experience.

“My auntie passed away from breast cancer, and it was nice to see Paul Mitchell focused on community,” she says. “It’s a big part of our culture to help people because we truly care.”

Precisha Aubin from Winter Park was one of the student volunteers.

“It’s like a metamorphosis, watching people’s expressions go from sad to scared to curious to happy,” she says. “It’s very therapeutic, and you can feel the atmosphere lighten when they see themselves in the mirror after the makeover.”

Cancer survivor Marge Eikov of Tavares, who has undergone breast cancer treatment, explains that getting a makeover with a wig can make all the difference for one’s self-esteem during chemo or radiation.

“These wonderful volunteers deserve a round of applause,” she says. “It’s not just the work they do; they are so complimentary, and you can tell it’s genuine.”

“They may not realize it, but they are making a huge difference in the lives of these women and others like me.”

The Strands of Hope Wig Boutique is located in the cancer center at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares. Wigs are available at no cost to the hospital’s cancer patients.