Looking different as a kid (or adult) can have a serious impact on your self-esteem, particularly if you’re dealing with something that also affects your health. Hair loss due to a medical condition can deal a real blow to how patients ”see” themselves and their recovery. To counteract that feeling, sometimes a patient, who knows they may lose their hair due to their disease, will take proactive steps in defiance of their disease.

Such was the case of Patti Tucker who made a strong statement about her ovarian cancer by seizing control in this pictorial essay by The News-Messenger.

There are a number of outstanding organizations who accept donated hair and create wigs for those who may have lost hair due to cancer (including ovarian cancer), alopecia, burns, trichotillomania or other medical issues. Each has their mission and process for providing patients with the custom hair pieces

Locks of Love focuses on financially disadvantaged children in the U.S. and Canada under age 21. Children receive hair pieces free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need. The children choose the length, style, and color of the custom-made wigs. Each hair piece is molded to their head for a secure fit.

Want to help? Hair donation must be:

• Minimum 10 inches
• Gathered in a ponytail

Wigs for Kids has been providing custom hairpieces to children at no cost to the family. Each piece is hand-tied and completely made from donated human hair. Children are also given hair products, brushes, towels and directions for how to care for the wigs.

Want to help? Hair donation must be:

• Minimum 12 inches
• Gathered in a ponytail
• Gray hair is accepted

Pantene Beautiful Lengths has partnered with the American Cancer Society to make and distribute real-hair wigs to their wig banks. The wig banks are located across the U.S. and Canada. The hair pieces are free to women (and sometimes men and children) undergoing cancer treatments.

Want to help? Hair donation must be:

• Minimum 8 inches
• Conditioned to keep hair moisturized
• Gathered in a ponytail

If you’re unable to donate your hair, but still want to get involved, each organization accepts monetary donations to help in their missions to help lift up those fighting diseases that lead to hair loss.

What are your thoughts about ongoing research for rare diseases? Share your thoughts, and your hopes, with the Patient Worthy community!