BVM Sisters and staff raised $663 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The money is used by stylists at Exsalonte Salon in Dubuque, Iowa, to provide free wigs to cancer patients.
When faced with a cancer diagnosis, finding a way to put hair on your head should be the last thing on your mind.
With that understanding, a Dubuque, Iowa, salon provides free wigs to cancer patients who have lost their hair, and a Working Unitedly campaign at Mount Carmel helps pay for them.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month Mount Carmel sisters and staff donated $663 to purchase wigs.
A Think Pink collection at Mount Carmel surpassed its goal, raising $663. BVM Sisters and staff who donated $5 (or more) could wear jeans on Wednesdays during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The amount raised will pay for free wigs at Exsalonte Salon for as long as it lasts. Last year, the Mount Carmel funds lasted four and a half months. Breast of Friends makes up the balance of the year.
“We go through the wigs we have here, and if we have one that fits, fantastic,” says Lynn Brimeyer, a stylist at Exsalonte. If they need to order, they shop sales and find every discount.
“We also use the money to make sure they have a wig stand and a wig cap,” Lynn says.
The amount raised has increased each of the three years the fundraiser has been held at Mount Carmel.
“We just want you to know how appreciative we are as workers to have the money to be able to do this,” says Kelly Stevens, a stylist at Exsalonte and in the cosmetology department in Marian Hall at Mount Carmel.
We just noticed how special it makes them feel to have a wig that looks good and is comfortable.”
For the past three years, sisters and staff join together to raise awareness.
