Page 20 October 2014 By Katie Mayer When Patricia Heyl was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, she knew receiving the lifesaving treatments she needed meant she would lose her hair. “Going through treatment is the most defeminizing process there is,” Heyl said. “You lose your hair and sometimes your nails turn black and there are so many aspects that are so humiliating.” But despite the side effects, 70-year- old Heyl said she didn’t want to “closet” herself and hide away as she battled the disease. And thanks to Phoenix-based nonprofit organization Wigged Out, she didn’t have to. Wigged Out provides residents dealing with hair loss caused by a medical condition the financial support to help them purchase high quality wigs, hairpieces and hair accessories. The organization also connects clients directly with wig boutiques and offers advice and support along the way. Heyl applied to the Wigged Out program after her cancer clinic referred her, and within a week she was approved for a $200 scholarship toward the wig of her choice. Heyl selected Arizona Wigs Boutique and, accompanied by her husband, picked out a wispy strawberry blond short synthetic wig. “It looks so real,” Heyl said. “I have been stopped in the grocery store by Continued on page 21 Wigged Out brings hope and hair to patients with illness people who say ‘I love your hair!’ and that is such a perk up when you have none or very little.” Founded in July 2012, Wigged Out was conceived by four women friends after one of them was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 26. The loss of her hair caused by treatments devastated cancer survivor, co-founder and board treasurer Chelsea Kunde and she felt overwhelmed by the high price of a quality wig. The Wigged Out Team gathers around cancer survivor Chelsea Kunde when she was pregnant with her first child. From Left: Becca Margison, vice president; Katie Sarvas, president; Chelsea Kunde, co- founder; and Lindsey Dies, secretary. Photo credit Aaron Young Photography. That’s when Kunde’s friends stepped in to help. They conducted research, went shopping and ultimately selected a beautiful blond wig for their friend. From this experience, the idea for Wigged Out was born. Other co-founders include Katie Sarvas, president; Becca Margison, vice president; and Lindsey Dies, secretary. “Based on our experience with helping Chelsea find her wig, we found how overwhelming and financially burdening it can be,” said Katie Sarvas. “We aim to help relieve some of the stress and financial burden our applicants may already be feeling during treatment.” She added, “They may have sacrificed a wig since it can be an additional expense, but it’s one small way we can help them feel a little more comfortable and like themselves.” Sisters Toni Zuba and Karen Schaffer co- own Classy Sisters Wigs in Phoenix. The store is one of the businesses that supplies wigs and other products to Wigged Out’s clients, and Zuba said she and her sister work hard to help their customers select the best products. “When you are dealing with hair loss, you have to be careful,” Zuba said. “You want something that’s going to look natural and be comfortable.” Zuba said that once a customer selects a wig, the wig will be cut and customized on the customer’s head to “make it their own.” Michael Saavedra, MD, FAAAAI Board CerƟed in Allergy & Immunology for both children and adults. 4901 N. 44th St., Ste. 103 • Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 954-0405 • www.phoenixallergyclinic.com & Immunology for both children and adults. 4901 N. 44th St., Ste. 103 • Phoenix, AZ 85018 Allergy Testing Allergy Shots Rapid Desensitization Asthma Treatment Eczema Food Allergy Hives/ Contact Dermatitis Hay Fever Chronic Cough Watery, Itchy Eyes Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Care Contact us at (602) 954-0405 to schedule your appointment TODAY! Thomas Rd. Indian School Rd. Central Ave. 7th Ave. • Open 5pm - 5am every night of the year • Treat newborns through 18-year-olds • Every patient seen by a pediatrician • X-ray and lab on-site • Accept most insurance and all AHCCCS • Discounts for cash payment • No appointment needed Arizona’s Only All-Night Urgent Care for Kids • Open 5pm - 5am every night of the year • • Every patient seen by a pediatrician • X-ray and lab on-site • Accept most insurance 3600 N. 3rd Ave, Phoenix 602-412-4033 Visit our website for additional locations: www.GoodNightPeds.com 3600 N. 3rd Ave, Phoenix 3600 N. 3rd Ave, Phoenix We Do Sports Physicals

Page 21 October 2014 Wigged Continued from page 20 d on page 21 “People often think they are going to look like some Halloween wig or something their old great-grandmother had,” Zuba said, “and they don’t realize there are some really beautiful things out there.” Zuba estimates she has served about a dozen of the 45 women and children that Wigged Out has helped since its inception. Sarvas said the organization will continue raising awareness in the community and fundraising to support their applicants. The board hopes to someday even expand Wigged Out into other states. “Our goal is to bring more awareness to both our organization, as well as to how many women, men and children are suffering from different forms of medically-related hair loss,” Sarvas said. She added, “We would like people to understand that losing your hair, in a way, can make you feel like you’ve been stripped of your identity [and] losing your hair can make you look sick, even when you don’t feel sick – and it is one more thing that is out of your control.” How to help: Wigged Out relies on individual donors, corporate sponsors and grants to continue serving clients suffering from medical hair loss. The organization is holding a happy hour fundraiser at The Yard in central Phoenix from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on October 23. All proceeds will go toward purchasing wigs for clients. For more information visit www.wiggedoutinc.org. For help obtaining a wig, hairpiece or accessory: Applicants can apply for assistance from Wigged Out by filling out an application at www.wiggedoutinc.org. Classy Sisters Wigs is offering a special 25 percent off discount throughout the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness month. For more information visit, classysisterswigs.com. STI Physical Therapy | 4840 E. Indian School Suite 103 | Phone 602.956.2850 | Fax 602.956.2877 Pre / Postnatal Care - Helping new moms to maintain the strength, endurance and flexibility needed as they prepare for and then care for their new baby. WOMEN’S HEALTH PROGRAM PHYSICAL THERAPY PRE/POSTNATAL CARE AND EDUCATION FOR MOM’S Pregnancy and Post Pregnancy Back Pain Postural Education Post Cesarean The Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Team Chelsea running in the San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon.