Dec 26, 2012 4 min read

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Cancer is hard to deal with. Just hearing that frightful word brings on a feeling of panic. The dreaded disease is never expected or wanted, but most everyone knows someone who has suffered its consequences. Stunned and terrified from the initial diagnosis, a man or women can feel isolated or completely alone, hopefully for only a brief time.

Although treatment has been known to help the afflicted masses, side effects can be devastating and navigating the journey takes inner strength and faith and acceptance of help from family and friends.

“I was diagnosed with cancer after I fell off my horse and needed a doctor. When I heard the words ‘you have cancer,’ I started planning my funeral,” said radio personality Bonny Diver. “My attitude and plans changed after learning of available treatments. It doesn’t seem fair that hair is lost shortly after the first chemo treatment and that most insurance companies don’t pay for wigs.

“A huge part of my battle has been planned by God,” continued Bonny. “To support women in faith, I started Hair Peace Charities. God is the ‘Peace’ in Hair Peace. This is my way of fighting back.”

Hair Peace Charities raises money to help women who are distressed from the aftermath of chemotherapy. Although its main purpose is to buy wigs, help is also provided for women through prayer quilts, meals, cards and so much more.

Based on faith not fear, support is also provided through Hair Peace’s Women’s Empowerment Group which meets the third Wednesday of every month at the Ingomar Church Community Center.

Comments by women who joined the gathering are heartwarming:

• I attended the meeting for the first time and was touched by all the stories and the willingness of everyone to share.

• Thank you for helping me purchase a wig so that I could get back to normal in a time that is such a loss of control.

• Thank you for the spiritual and financial support during my battle with cancer. My wig has been a blessing. It looks so natural and is one less thing to worry about. I don’t think anyone can imagine how devastating hair loss is until it happens.

• My mom completed her second round of chemo and her hair is gone. Her wig has been fitted and she looks amazing. Thanks for all your help.

Local salons support Hair Peace Charities by specifically training their staffs and stylists to accommodate women with cancer and their wigs.

Cancer survivor and owner of Executrim in the South Hills, Marilyn Mance has specialized in hair replacement for men, women and children who are struggling with hair loss due to chemo.

“Bonny has such a good heart,” said Marilyn. “Her Hair Peace Charities provides funds for wigs. At Executrim we offer additional help to people with financial hardships. I want people to feel good about themselves when they leave my salon. I want them to be satisfied and at peace.”

Hair Peace’s annual signature event, Recipe for Hope, is set for Feb. 23 at the Mayernik Center at Avonworth Park on Camp Horne Road, Kilbuck Township. Enjoy local celebrities in aprons who will serve homemade favorites, pink tinis and mystery wine grab bags. Tickets are $100, but only $80 if purchased online by Jan. 23.

The Hair Peace/Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is set for May 18 at Heinz Field.

Trying to look normal is important for working women, mothers and girls in school, but financial hardships arise with loss of work and co-pays while in treatment. A donation of $150 can change someone’s life. Donations are welcome in memory of someone who lost their cancer challenge or in honor of someone who has won the battle. Send to Hair Peace Charities, 102 Cleveland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15202.

Recycled wigs help women with cancer in countries where aid is not available. For more information, call 412-327-5177.

Hair Peace

Having struggled with cancer herself, Bonny Diver offers a few hints to ease the discomfort of chemo. Eating a pickle can remove the metal taste that chemo leaves behind as well as stimulating the appetite. Ginger chews help with nausea and an oral rinse with organic virgin coconut oil can relieve mouth sores. Sign up for Bonny’s newsletter at www.hairpeace.org.