Nakuru woman donating wigs to restore confidence in Cancer patients

Many women believe that hair is part of what makes them beautiful. Therefore, to lose it brutally through an intense treatment could be disheartening.

One certified palliative care specialist decided to come to the aid of women to help them redeem their beauty by donating wigs.

For Sophia Hiuhu, Executive Director of Women in Society Empowerment (WISE), what began as a way to cope with postpartum depression transformed into a mission to help cancer patients restore their confidence.

“During COVID, one of my close aunts got diagnosed with cancer. Despite the many restrictions then, I made a point of visiting and always keeping in touch with her and my cousins. I saw how the disease made her deteriorate to the point of losing her hair,” recalls Sophia.

She continues, “Then, I didn’t even know more about the disease beyond how it was painted as a killer. I gave my aunt several of the wigs I made and saw how it helped her regain her confidence. Although she unfortunately passed on, I wondered what would happen if I reached out to more patients like her.”

Initially, unsure how to reach those in need, Sophia turned to social media, posting in groups about offering wigs to women experiencing alopecia due to cancer treatments. The response was overwhelming.

“I got an overwhelming number of referrals and links to people who needed my services, and that was the foundation of my interaction with more patients,” says Sophia.

To date, she has donated over 500 wigs and caps for women and men with cancer.

"The Bible speaks of hair as part of a woman's beauty," Sophia explains. "When someone loses their hair, they can feel exposed. These wigs provide comfort."

While she goes on to give free hair, her greatest encouragement to these women is usually, that ‘it’s just a normal bad hair day’ to deal with the emotional impact.

We ask how she helps patients choose the right hair seeing that this is such a sensitive topic.

“We collect data about patients' ages to guide our designs. Younger clients often prefer longer wigs, while older ones prefer the shorter ones. Our priority is usually to ensure the wigs are comfortable and lightweight.”

While giving back comes naturally to her, Sophia admits that she has developed an emotional attachment that has seen her face a myriad of challenges including, losing a patient in the midst of making their hair.

Mtaa Wangu enquires how this journey has shaped her perspective and what has changed her life since she began.

“Initially, I only interacted with patients during bi-annual awareness events," Sophia reflects.

"My aunt's journey, and watching my cousins care for her, made me realize I needed to do more. Now, as a palliative caregiver, I walk alongside my clients, offering support through wigs and emotional support.”