Rush Copley Foundation’s Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center Awarded Grant to Expand Ethnically Inspired Medical Wig Options for Patients

“Women going through chemotherapy are beautiful and strong,” said Amy Baudouin, Board Chair, Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation (AWEF). “We want all Aurora area women to have access to resources that help them heal and this is Rush Copley’s mission as well. We have no doubt in our minds that having a wig that looks and feels like your own hair is empowering, allowing women to maintain a sense of dignity and self while they return to wellness.”

With the grant provided by AWEF, Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center will expand its selection of medical wigs to include more options for people of color. Waterford Place services are provided free of charge, reflecting Rush Copley’s core commitment to removing financial cost as an additional source of stress for those confronting cancer.

“Unfortunately, wigs designed expressly for women of color are hard to come by,” said Alexander Pope, Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Rush Copley Foundation.  “It was important for us to remove that barrier for any cancer patient no matter where they received their care. The grant from AWEF helps us accomplish this goal and I think our community will be impressed by the quality of our new wigs.”

One of the main differences between a medical wig and traditional wig is that a traditional wig cap uses combs to attach to the wearer’s head—something that is not feasible for medical wigs when most wearers do not have any hair. Medical hair loss often causes a sensitive scalp, so patients don’t want a comb scratching their head. Medical wigs are made of a softer, more comfortable material without any combs.

“At Waterford Place we strive to create a spa-like experience in all we do,” said Jenny Burns, Licensed Cosmetologist and Medical Hair Loss Expert. “You can try these beautiful wigs on in a private setting and receive a full range of salon services to help restore your identity and confidence.”

Salon services include addressing treatment-related hair and scalp changes, customizable wigs, education on wig care and styling, reviewing options for head coverings, and assistance with styling hair as it grows back.

“Currently, our salon and spa services are open for in-person services, and we will continue to offer many programs in a safe, virtual environment,” said Omar Ramos, Program Development and Operations Manager at Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center. “Our wonderful team of oncology-trained spa and salon professionals provide individual hair and skin care consultations, interactive group (hybrid) classes, in addition to wig-fitting services, massages, and facials.”

Waterford Place offers free registration for all its salon and spa services, including: Simply Beautiful Hair; Simply Beautiful Skin; Back to Basics: Skincare; Wig Boutique and Salon; Massage; Skincare Consultations; Facials; UZIT (Urban Zen Integrative Therapy) Customized Comfort Session; and Reflexology.

Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center provides programs and services to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis. For more information, call (331) 301-5280. To get started, you can also email omar.ramos@waterfordcrc.com.

ABOUT…

The Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation mission is to elevate and empower Aurora-area women and future women by making grants to tax-exempt nonprofits engaged in meaningful, measurable work that helps women over the hurdles of inequity and exclusion, propelling them forward with life-changing programs and services.  For more information about grants made by AWEF, including our grant guidelines and online application, visit awe-foundation.org.

Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center serves to compassionately connect with, and offer support for, people with cancer and those that care for them. Here, you’ll find access to an array of services including appearance assistance; counseling; support groups for patients and caregivers; educational programs; stress management; expressive therapies; survivorship guidance and a space dedicated to spiritual reflection. Waterford Place is where help meets hope.