Chemotherapy induced hair loss is a common and distressing side effect of cancer treatments that have a significant impact on patients. Headwear such as wigs, turbans and beanies can assist people to cope with the loss of their hair and enrich quality of life.
Cancer Council WA’s wig service in the South West has approximately 100 wigs in stock that are loaned out during and post treatment to patients at no cost.
Programs such as Wigs for Well-Being align well with The Honda Foundations mission.
“We are very proud to support Cancer Council Western Australia, providing these types of services allow patients to feel confident and happy and The Honda Foundation loves supporting causes that cater to the needs to people”. Says Stephen Collins, Chairman of The Honda Foundation.
Cancer Council WA’s Wig Service is available at no cost to people affected by cancer. The program is run entirely by dedicated volunteers and available at eight different locations throughout the metropolitan and regional areas. People interested in the service who are not located close to a service point are also able to request headwear via mail by calling 13 11 20.
Bunbury Honda and The Honda Foundation’s contribution is being put towards purchasing new wigs to replace old and damaged headwear, as well as cater to all individuals between the ages of 20-65 years so that a variety of choices and styles is available to reflect their personality and needs.
“We cannot thank The Honda Foundation and Bunbury Honda enough for their generous donation which has allowed us to broaden our selection and help many men and women who are affected by cancer in a positive way.” Said Cancer Council WA CEO Ashley Reid.
Over 500 cancer patients were loaned headwear from the Wig Service program last year. The funding has allowed Cancer Council WA to purchase 51 new wigs and material to make over 1400 turbans and beanies to help support people going through chemotherapy.
The Honda Foundation is funded by contributions from Honda Australia, private donors and more than 100 dealerships across the country. For every new Honda vehicle sold in Australia, $15 is donated to the Foundation. Close to $11 million has so far been donated to hundreds of very worthy causes, including empowering disadvantaged Australians, providing relief for victims of natural disasters and supporting the development of new technologies and research to fight disease.
For further information on The Honda Foundation please visit: www.thehondafoundation.com.au
To see the Cancer Councils Wig Service please visit: www.cancerwa.asn.au