COAST CARES
Pink Heart Funds brings hope to those affected by cancer and hair loss disorders
by JoAn Niceley, Founder of Pink Heart Funds MORE INFO Pink Heart Funds is a 5 1 c 3 nonprofit and charity organization that provides wigs to those suffering from hair loss, as well as breast prosthesis and lymphedema sleeves — all free of charge. Contact Pink Heart Funds at P.O. Box 1047, Long Beach, MS 39560; visit pinkheartfunds.org, email pinkheartfunds@ gmail.com or call (228) 575-8299. Like Pink Heart Funds on Facebook: facebook. com/pinkheartfunds. All donations are tax deductible.
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May-June 2017
Pink Heart Funds was founded 20 years ago and exists to inspire, encourage, and restore hope for persons affected by cancer and hair loss disorders. The organization is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charity that provides free wigs to children with severe cases of hair loss such as alopecia, trichotillomania, burned scalps and cancer. We also provide free breast prosthetics and post-mastectomy bras to uninsured or under-insured women receiving cancer treatments, as well as serve as a resource for those seeking support or advice. I know firsthand the emotional and psychological impact of cancer and the determination necessary to get through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. I have been a hairstylist since 1978, and prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2002, I assisted women with cancer and other hair loss illnesses to find comfortable, natural looking wigs. Working with these beautiful and courageous women inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others, which is how Pink Heart Funds was established. Our location in Long Beach is a safe place for cancer patients to receive support, encouragement and relax in a comfortable and private atmosphere. We are grateful to have at least 20 volunteers that help run the facility in their spare time. When you enter the doors of the Pink Heart Funds center, you will be welcomed by a friendly volunteer who is most likely a cancer survivor. As you walk down the hall in the very nonclinical atmosphere, the walls are adorned with people from all over the
world who have donated their ponytails to help children receive free wigs. You also will find pictures of celebrities and even a past U.S. president — all supporters of Pink Heart Funds. Our Victorian Wig Parlor is where women and children are fitted with their custom order wig. Another room is the Hope Boutique where ladies are assisted by certified breast prosthetic fitters to receive free breast prostheses and a prosthetic bra. At Pink Heart Funds, we feel it is important to give support after a diagnosis, which is why we host Women’s Inspirational Networking luncheons and monthly support groups and classes. For example, the Bald & Beautiful class teaches women how to deal with skin and hair loss side effects. Head wrap demos are conducted and free products are given to cancer survivors to help during this trying time in their lives. Every year Pink Heart Funds also hosts an annual Walk of Hope on the second Saturday in October in Long Beach. The organization depends on donations and fundraisers, and one Pink Heart Funds event coming up on June 10 is an “Evening in Pink Gatsby” at the Climb CDC in Gulfport. Tickets are $50 each and includes food and spirits. There also will be a silent auction and a cancer survivors fashion show. As a 14-year cancer survivor, I count my blessings daily and am so thankful to be a part of an organization that encourages and gives hope to children and women affected by cancer and hair loss disorders.