A RIVERLAND community initiative helping give local women self-confidence during the most difficult time of their lives celebrated its sixth anniversary this month.
The Caroline Bristow Wig Library at the Barmera Hospital has provided wigs to women suffering from hair loss, particularly those receiving chemotherapy, since it opened in 2015.
Committee member Ellen Traeger said the initiative had grown from a couple of wigs on a table to a library of over 150 wigs of all colours and styles.
“Wigs aren’t just for dress-ups – they can be life changing,” she said.
Local McGrath Breast Care nurse Rebecca Semmens said the wigs helped women maintain their confidence while going through treatment.
“The biggest part of a lot of ladies’ identity is their hair,” she said.
“When they find out they’re going to get chemo it’s a huge thing, so when they come in here and get a wig, the smile on their face when they leave is great.”
Ms Traeger said the library was a “passion” and was something volunteers felt they had to do.
“It can be for all ages for whatever reason, because there are plenty of reasons why people may lose their hair,” she said.
“Our youngest client is 15, and she didn’t have cancer as such but was receiving chemotherapy for another issue, and it was so good to see her walk out of here with a smile on her face because we found something that suited her and she could go back to school and not worry.
“When the young girl came in she was with her mum and sister.
“We have lots of laughs in here but at the end with this one we all had to have a hug and a few tears because she loved the wig.”
The library is named for former police officer Caroline Bristow, who died from a rare form of cancer just a few months before the library opened.
“I happened to be walking along the river front and saw Carol, and that’s when I found out that she was going through her journey, and she told me straight away that she wanted to do something,” Ms Traeger said.
“Her family have all been very supportive.
“This was the ideal place for it because Rebecca is based here, and we were only talking the other day that people don’t know her role or that the wig library is here.
“She provides a lot of support for our community in a lot of different ways, and it’s amazing we are able to have this service.
“It’s amazing that this little room can do so much good for people.”
Ms Semmens said the library enjoyed strong support from the community, with several groups and individuals offering to help raise funds.
“It’s one of those things you don’t know about until you need it, so it’s important to get that message out there,” she said.
Local woman Keisha Barber is currently selling cookies to raise funds for the wig library as she prepares to cut her hair to donate to Hair with a Heart – Variety’s Children’s Charity’s hair donation program.
“Community areas come together and support each other so well, and having Keisha say that she would help us as part of her fundraising is fantastic,” Ms Traeger said.
To order cookies through Ms Barber’s fundraiser, search for ‘Keisha’s Big Chop’ on Facebook, and for more information about the wig library, call Ellen Traeger on 0437 819 125.