As we honor pediatric cancer awareness month, here’s a tangible way moms can support kids fighting cancer through local nonprofit, Crowns of Courage.
During this awareness month, we’re also reminiscing about Mila’s story and her battle with cancer.
Keep reading for how you can help a local child experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy through a local nonprofit.
Xo,
Megan
Having grown up in Florida, my long hair is something that I always valued. Tousled, beachy waves; big, messy top knot; mermaid tail braids–it was all such a vibe! Personally, my hair grows pretty quickly so I have had super long hair pretty much most of my life. It kind of became part of my personality.
However, every 5 years or so, I seem to get this itch that I want to cut it all off and rock a short style! I think I’ve done a dramatic cut like this 3 or 4 times since I graduated college, and I always end up chopping off at least 10+ inches.
The first time I cut it, the hair stylist recommended that I donate my hair. And I said “Donate? To what?” And she explained that there are organizations that make wigs out of real human hair and provide those wigs to cancer patients (usually children) who lose their hair due to chemotherapy treatments.
I had no idea that was a thing, but I was so excited to participate! In 2007, my father passed away from cancer, so I know how tough that journey can be. Having lost a parent that way was so hard. If there was one small thing I could do to help support a family walking through cancer treatment, I definitely wanted to do so.
And so I did. Every time I made “The Decision” to cut off all my hair, I always donated it to one of the big national organizations like Locks of Love.
However, this last time that I cut it, I was at Wylde Salon in Epicenter. And again, my stylist suggested that I donate my hair to which I proudly responded, “Oh yes, I already planned on it!” Then, she asked if I was donating to the one in Scottsdale.
“Scottsdale? What? I’m not familiar, tell me more!” And that’s how I became introduced to Crowns of Courage. I’ve always felt good about donating my hair, but donating to Crowns of Courage felt even better for two main reasons:
They’re LOCAL! Crowns of Courage provides wigs to kids nationwide, but they’re based right here in the East Valley in Scottsdale. I love that hometown touch in knowing my donation was going right back into my community.- Their wigs are 100% FREE to pediatric cancer patients! Other non-profits may still charge a small fee to recipient families. I absolutely love that Crowns of Courage adds not one dime to the already high cost of cancer treatments.
I could never imagine going through childhood cancer. My heart and prayers will always be with families enduring this battle. But I’m so grateful to Crowns of Courage for connecting my abundance to someone else’s lack. I’m proud to be a dedicated donor for as long as this head of hair continues to grow like a weed.
Is Crowns of Courage a 501c3?
Yes! They are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping pediatric cancer patients overcome the fear of chemotherapy related hair loss, by providing halo wigs at absolutely no cost to the family.
What type of wigs does Crowns of Courage gift to kids
Crowns of Courage provide halo wigs to any child undergoing chemotherapy, at no cost to the family.
A Crowns of Courage halo wig is very different from a traditional wig. It’s made from real hair! The hair is attached to a soft breathable cap, allowing it to be super comfortable. It’s not itchy or hot and it looks incredibly real. The wig can be worn with any hat, beanie, or scarf that can be changed out at any time.
The patient can use their own hair or we have hair that has been donated. Our hope is that these halo wigs give children the strength, courage, and confidence to keep fighting their battles!
Here’s how one Phoenix Children’s patient was able to use her own hair for her halo wig:
When Ashlyn was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening blood disorder at the age of ten and told she needed a bone marrow transplant, one of her biggest fears was losing her hair.
Just weeks before Ashlyn was scheduled to be admitted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for her bone marrow transplant, her family learned of a special type of halo wig that is made using real hair. Ashlyn was able to cut her OWN hair and send it away to be returned in the form of a halo wig. Wearing this wig gave her confidence and allowed her to feel normal around her friends.
It made such a difference in Ashlyn’s recovery that she knew she had to do something to help other children. This is how Crowns of Courage was born!
How can I support Crowns of Courage?
You can donate your hair! Healthy, dyed hair is even accepted; all the details on donating your hair to Crowns of Courage can be found here.
Monetary donations are also accepted online via paypal or venmo; details on making a tax deductible donation can be found here.
