January 2018 Herbein Hero – Hair Peace Charities

March 6, 2018

January 2018 Herbein Hero – Hair Peace Charities

Herbein is pleased to announce that the recipient of the January 2018 Herbein Community Heroes Award is Hair Peace Charities (HPC), a group that provides financial aid to purchase a wig for women and girls with hair loss from cancer treatments. 

Hair Peace Charities got its start in 2004 after founder Bonny Diver survived her own battle with breast cancer.  During her cancer treatments, Bonny realized that for many women losing their hair is the worst part of having cancer.  She also discovered that most insurance companies do not pay for wigs, creating a financial hardship for working women, mothers and girls in school.  When Bonny’s cancer doctors approached her about finding a way to fill this need in the community, HPC was born.

Having a wig allows cancer patients to go to work, school functions and even to the grocery store without being the object of attention or pity.  Any uninsured or underinsured female in the 12 county area of Southwestern Pennsylvania is eligible to receive help.  HPC pays up to $150 – about half the cost of a good quality wig.  Since its inception, HPC has grown dramatically – from helping 3 cancer patients in its first year to almost 400 in 2017.

Bonny personally answers every call from cancer patients looking for help.  Not all callers end up needing a wig, but Bonny makes sure they have resources to help them in their fight against cancer.  Books are provided full of practical tips on everything from dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy to healthy eating to managing stress.  HPC empowerment groups meet monthly for additional support – including giving attendees handmade lap-sized prayer quilts for use during chemotherapy.     

The $500 award from Herbein Community Heroes will be used to provide more than three wigs. 

For more information on Hair Peace Charities, their support programs and upcoming fundraisers, visit their website at www.hairpeace.org.

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