The Bald Project

(Triple Negative Breast Cancer) I, Monica, lost my hair to chemotherapy at the age of 38. “...don’t be afraid to look at yourself in the mirror, because you’re still whole and you’re still beautiful, and you’re still worthey and you’re still amazing. And being bald and losing all your hair doesn’t make you less amazing…” ~Monica There were many things I loved about being bald. Not shaving through summer in Arizona. I felt free. I felt bold. And for the first time in a long time, I felt comfortable in my skin, but the morning I actually started losing my hair was a whole different story. In the words of Megan in Interview 2, “You’re never really prepared to see your hair in your hand like that….”. Dedicating a whole project to people talking about their hair loss stories, I never considered until hearing and editing my own story, that sometimes sadness about hair could come after it growing back. Where most might be excited about their hair growing back, I simply want my former hair back.

(Triple Negative Breast Cancer) “I felt free for the first time in a very long time” ~ Judy ‘It’s just hair’ was Judy’s mantra, but even through she loved her bald head, she still experienced her own frustrations along the way. From unexpected hair colors to having to act like a lady, these memories were all a part of her adventure.

Recognizing that helping is healing, A 2nd Act raises cancer survivorship awareness by supporting and celebrating women survivors of ALL cancers who are using their gifts of life and experience to give back to the greater good. Funds raised by the annual storytelling performance “S.T.A.R.S.: Survivors Tell A Real Story” allows the organization to: - Host Girls Night Out Events, evenings of survivor networking, connecting, and mutual inspiring. - Offer A 2nd Act workshops, encouraging women to consider what their skills, passions, and cancer have uniquely qualified them to do in a 2nd Act. - Make five $1,000 micro grants to women survivors ready to launch or grow their 2nd Acts.

Chemotherapy Cold Cappers is a one of a kind peer-to-peer online support group that provides a safe space to educate, empower, and encourage those who wish to use cold capping/scalp cooling during chemotherapy. ~ Offers a platform to explore cold capping options based on treatment regimens, cost, availability, and other factors for someone considering this option ~ Provides encouraging support during cold capping treatment for hair care, results, and general advice ~ Continuum of support post chemotherapy/cold capping treatments

(Triple Positive Breast Cancer) Rebecca (aka Becca Jean) was 29 when she went through chemotherapy and used cold caps during treatment to retain some of her hair. ”You just really have to stand up for yourself. You have to advocate for what you want. You have to be able to be presented with all the information you need to advocate for yourself and stand up for yourself, because I think that there’s a lot of people ready to just knock down what you want to try, or say or do because it’s not the norm… it’s all about choice.“ ~Rebecca Rebecca’s story is one of learning to be your own advocate. She received push back from your original oncology team and struggled to find proper information. During treatment, her experience lead her to start Chemotherapy Cold Cappers support group. The group provides newly diagnosed women with information they need to make a decision that’s right for them, and offers peer to peer support for current cold cap users.

Based in Phoenix, AZ, this organization focuses on educating women about the adverse effects chemotherapy and radiation can have on the reproductive system and some of the fertility options available if one hopes to conceive post treatment. Some important goals and services provided by YAS include: ~ Informing women on fertility options prior to treatment starting because Infertile is a potential outcome after treatment ~ Raising money to grant fertility scholarships to assist with the unexpected cost of fertility treatments ~ We provide one on one mentoring to women in all stages of fertility treatment Find links to Young Advocacy & Support at the baldproject.com

Kim was relieved to have surgery first because it gave her a little more time to not lose her hair. Her fear of looking sick and looking different was overwhelming. Kim’s reflection on her experience is really profound and shines some light on the stress this experience causes many women.

Marissa lost her hair at the age of 17 to chemotherapy. “Every new chapter of your life requires a different version of yourself. And if you want to make change, and if you want to make progress, and if you want to move forward, then you’re going to have to have a different version of yourself to do that…” ~Marissa At 17 Marissa says she was a selfish brat. During our interview, she reflects on how much this experience changed her for the better and what she has been able to give back because of the perspective she gained at such a young age.

Cathy was 39 when she lost her hair to chemo therapy. “Try to find the good in everything, because there is some good, even if it’s a miserable situation” ~Cathy

Megan was 33 when she lost her hair to chemotherapy. During her interview, Megan shares feelings and experiences that are so representative of what many women who go through during chemotherapy, and hits so many nails on the head, while telling her story. One of my favorite pearls of wisdom she drops: “I think it’s kind of cool in a way that I’m going through this with my hair…. Because change is good...”

Patrice has been fighting cancer since 2002. She talks a lot about being bald in public and her many hair losses. It was the third time that was was the most surprising for her, and her friend.

Marina was 31 when she lost her hair to chemo therapy. She offers such a great perspective about her wilting flower and staying positive.

Thank you for taking time to listen to my podcast. This podcast is here to talk about all areas the hair experience during and after cancer treatment. From the moment they found out, to it all growing back; you'll hear a series of survivors telling their stories, giving their tips and sharing their experiences so current patients going through treatment can know that they're not alone. For more information, please visit me at www.thebaldproject.com You can also find me on Instagram @the_bald_project