Since 1990, the American Cancer Society (ACS) Discovery Shop on Midway Drive has run a free Wig Salon for cancer patients, likely the only of its kind in the city. The thrift store provides complimentary wigs for individuals struggling with the effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Longtime volunteer Bobbie Harris started the salon out of a corner in the shop’s backroom 16 years ago. Its popularity soon convinced store manager Tammi Rose to forfeit her office to provide customers with a more private fitting room. Today, the salon’s walls are laden with wigs, hats and turbans. Customers can seat themselves in front of a vanity desk and mirror in the company of family and the experienced Harris or Rose, who do their best to lighten the mood.
“They may come in tears, but they leave with huge smiles on their face,” Rose said. “We do try to get them out of their funk and say, ‘Now’s the time to have fun “” have you always wanted to be a red head?'”
Harris and Rose agree that hair loss due to treatment is one of the most traumatic experiences a cancer patient has. The two have fitted wigs for girls as young as 13 and women as old as 90. Occasionally men visit the store, but the majority of clients are female.
Harris sees an average of 40 people each month who hear about the salon by word of mouth, hospital referrals or ACS flyers. She volunteers on Tuesdays only and prides herself on the work she does to help customers feel better. In fact, Harris herself is a 21-year cancer survivor.
“It’s my payback because I didn’t go through chemo or radiation,” she said.
All of the wigs are donated by former cancer patients, salons and other sources. When Montgomery Ward closed its Mission Valley location, the store donated 1,000 wigs. Nonetheless, the salon is always in need of more, especially straight and dark hairstyles.
Harris reconditions, shampoos and sanitizes all of the wigs before displaying them in the salon. Most are made of synthetic hair, which requires less upkeep.
“If you are going through chemo, you don’t want to have to deal with a lot of care,” Harris said.
Rose suggests that cancer patients visit the salon after they lose their hair, as the wigs will fit and look differently at that point. Harris also recommends turbans that she constructs from T-shirts, as the material is soft and easy to wash.
“If there are any sewing clubs out there that would like to help make turbans, that’s one thing we really like to encourage the ladies to wear while they are undergoing treatment,” Rose said.
Harris spends about 30 minutes with each customer, and often provides them with information about available ACS services and programs.
The Point Loma Discovery Shop is one of many that raises money for the ACS. Proceeds from the sale of the tax-deducible clothing, furniture and houseware donations fund cancer research, education and services in San Diego and beyond. The boutique thrift shop is open seven days a week and almost entirely volunteer-run “” Rose is the only paid employee.
On Saturday, May 6, the store located at 3651 Midway Dr., suite B, will replace much of the old merchandise with recently donated designer items for their annual Designer Sale. For more information or donations, call (619) 224-4336 or visit www.cancer.org.
