For many women, one of the most difficult parts about battling cancer is losing their hair. But, now Bakersfield women have a new place to go to feel beautiful again... a brand new wig boutique.
Links for Life, a local breast cancer support organization, has been working to get this boutique up and running for two decades. Monday morning they cut the pink ribbon, now ready to give out dozens of wigs, scarves, hats and turbans to women who've lost their hair.
"Our wig boutique is for every woman going through chemotherapy," said Jennifer Henry, Executive Director of Links for Life.
They've got all the looks including blonde, brown, and even red wigs. They're all free to women who've lost their hair while battling cancer.
"The first time, 21 years ago when I went through breast cancer, there was no wig boutique in town," said Stana Bright, a member of Links for Life and three-time breast cancer survivor.
Stories like Bright's inspired doctors to help build a boutique.
"One of the most disfiguring things about cancer is your looks," said Dr. Ravi Patel, Medical Director at Bakersfield's Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center.
As a temporary solution, Links for Life opened up a small boutique in their office, dreaming of the day they could have a full boutique at the CBCC. 20 years later, this is their dream fulfilled.
"We can be where people are being treated and offer services in a location where people don't have to come downtown," said Henry.
"I thought for a long time how wonderful it would be to have a wig boutique at the treatment center," said Bright.
Now, they do so patients know that even though they lost their hair they haven't lost their ability to look good.
"It's important that they feel good about themselves while they are getting their treatments," said Dr. Patel.
The group plans to give out 600 wigs each month in the local community. The boutique is entirely funded by donations.
