Strand by Strand: How Free Wigs for Cancer Patients Support Those Facing Hair Loss
Cancer treatment is challenging enough. When patients face hair loss during chemotherapy or radiation, the emotional toll can be just as difficult as the physical battle. That's where free wig programs and patient support services become transformative — restoring not just appearance, but confidence and dignity during some of life's hardest moments.
Lynna Wilmes Donated 400 Wigs for Cancer Patients at the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute
The Legacy of Henrietta Houck: From Wig Shop Icon to Cancer Patient Advocate
Henrietta Houck was never one to go unnoticed. With her big blonde hair, bold personality, and a wardrobe that would make Dolly Parton proud, she lit up every room she entered. Her story is one of passion, purpose, and service — a journey that would ultimately touch the lives of countless cancer patients across Oklahoma.
Building a Community Icon in 1971
Henrietta's journey into the world of wigs began in the 1960s, when beehives and bouffants were all the rage. She started as a traveling saleswoman, hosting wig parties and helping women feel their best all over Oklahoma. By 1971, she took the leap and opened her own wig shop in Oklahoma City — a decision that would define her legacy.
Her shop quickly became a staple in the community. But it was more than just a place to buy wigs. It was a sanctuary where women came for confidence, comfort, and conversation. Over the years, Henrietta's clientele evolved. While she still served anyone in search of a new look, she began focusing on those facing hair loss—especially cancer patients.
More Than Wigs: Offering Hope and Expertise
What made Henrietta's approach different was her genuine care. She didn't just sell wigs; she taught her customers how to style and care for them. For cancer patients navigating hair loss during treatment, her shop became a safe haven during their darkest moments. She understood that hair loss affects not just how patients look, but how they feel about themselves.
A Lasting Legacy: 400 Wigs Donated to Support Cancer Patients
When Henrietta passed away in 2021, the community felt the loss deeply. As her niece, Lynna, began cleaning out the wig shop in 2024, something remarkable happened. People stopped by to share memories and to say thank you.
"This shop was her life," Lynna said. "She loved every second of it."
Looking around a shop full of shelves lined with wigs—each one a symbol of Henrietta's passion and purpose—Lynna knew exactly what to do. She made a decision that would honor her aunt's legacy and continue her mission of helping others.
In 2024, Lynna donated over 400 wigs to the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute Wellness Center. And it didn't take long for that gift to make a real difference in patients' lives.
Carol DeLobbe, with INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute Caregivers, Jaclyn and Sylvia, in the Wig Room
Meet Carol: A Patient's Story of Hair Loss, Hope, and Support
Carol's story shows exactly why wig programs matter. A former rancher in Texas, a devoted wife, and a proud grandmother, Carol and her husband, Henry, moved to Mustang in 2019. Just two years later, Carol was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and immediately began receiving chemotherapy at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute.
When Transportation Barriers Meet Compassionate Support
Carol, sharing a moment with Juan, and INTEGRIS Health transportation caregiver.
Driving was a significant challenge for Carol and Henry. The Cancer Institute's wellness center and support services made an immediate difference. Thanks to the community support of the INTEGRIS Health Foundation, transportation assistance was arranged to ensure Carol made it to her treatment appointments.
This kind of patient support goes beyond medicine — it addresses the real obstacles that cancer patients and their families face during treatment.
The Return of Cancer and a New Challenge: Hair Loss
While Carol experienced remission and stability for a while, the cancer returned. The following fall, she began radiation, followed by chemotherapy. And with that came an unexpected emotional toll: hair loss.
For many cancer patients, hair loss during treatment is more than a physical change. It's a visible reminder of their illness, affecting confidence, self-image, and emotional well-being during an already difficult time.
Free Wigs Change Everything
A few months into her treatment, while Carol was receiving her infusion, an INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute caregiver mentioned the wigs available through the wellness center. Carol was on a tight budget and knew she wouldn't be able to afford an extra purchase, even though having a wig would make her feel so much better.
That's when Sylvia Dillard, program coordinator at the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute, reached out with life-changing news: all wigs were free and available for any patient who needed one. Because of community donations — including the wigs from Henrietta's shop and many others — Carol received a wig at no cost.
"These wigs, they really help," Carol shared. "You all will never understand how much of a difference these wigs make for patients like me who lose their hair."
Why Free Wig Programs Matter for Cancer Patients
Hair loss during cancer treatment affects an estimated 40% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The emotional impact can be significant:
Restored Confidence: Free wigs help patients feel like themselves during treatment
Social Comfort: Patients can maintain their appearance during social interactions and family time
Psychological Well-Being: Looking like themselves helps patients feel more in control during a challenging period
Financial Relief: Cancer patients face enormous expenses; free wigs remove one worry from an already overwhelming situation
Supporting Cancer Patients Beyond Medical Treatment
The story of Henrietta's shop and Carol's experience highlights an important truth: cancer care extends beyond medicine. It includes:
Free wig and hair loss support programs
Transportation assistance to treatment appointments
Wellness center programs
Medication assistance
Supportive services for families
How Community Support Makes a Difference
Carol's access to free wigs was made possible through:
Community donations like Henrietta's 400 wigs
INTEGRIS Health Foundation support that funds these programs
Dedicated caregivers who connect patients to available resources
Program coordinators like Sylvia Dillard, who ensure no patient is turned away due to cost
Honoring Henrietta's Legacy: Strand by Strand
Henrietta Houck's life was defined by helping others feel confident and beautiful. Her wig shop wasn't just a business — it was a mission. Though she passed away in 2021, her legacy lives on through the 400 wigs now supporting cancer patients at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute.
Every wig represents a patient who can:
Maintain their appearance during treatment
Protect their privacy and comfort
Feel more like themselves during their cancer journey
Experience support when they need it most
Supporting Cancer Patients in Your Community
If you or someone you know is facing cancer and struggling with hair loss, programs like those at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute are here to help. Free wig assistance and comprehensive patient support services ensure that no one faces cancer treatment alone.
Community support makes programs like these possible. Whether through donations, volunteering, or financial support of cancer institutes and wellness centers, every contribution helps patients like Carol access the care and support they deserve.
Key Takeaways
Free wig programs provide essential support for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during treatment
Henrietta Houck's legacy continues through 400 donated wigs now helping patients at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute
Carol's story demonstrates how comprehensive patient support — from transportation to wigs — makes a real difference
Community donations and foundation support ensure no cancer patient is turned away due to cost
Hair loss support is an important part of cancer care that affects patients' emotional well-being and confidence
Join the Mission: Support Cancer Patients Today
On behalf of patients like Carol, the INTEGRIS Health Foundation continues to support care beyond medical treatments. Your generosity ensures cancer patients receive the dignity, comfort, and confidence they need during their treatment journey.
Strand by strand, you're making a difference in the lives of those facing cancer.
Story by Zoee Zuerker