dwearshair

Some birthday gifts come in a parcel, @d_wears_hair This one comes in scrubs. 😂❤️ Last year, you completely blew me away by arranging for a man to turn up at my door and sing to me for my birthday. I’ve been wondering how to return the favour ever since. You’ve always encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, but suggesting I do this one was definitely one step too far! 🙈🤣 If it hadn’t been for your birthday, this would never have seen the light of day! But thankfully that’s where your besties come in and @wiggymom42official @suzyq.wigs and @wiggychickie decided that if I was in, they were in. So here we are, four women in scrubs, well outside our comfort zones, in honour of our favourite healthcare brunette. 😂💃 We’ve all benefited from your constant encouragement, your support and your ability to be brutally honest! You cheer us on, tell us what we need to hear and somehow give us the confidence to try things we’d never have considered. There are very few people like you, and we’re so lucky to call you our friend. Happy birthday, @d_wears_hair We’ve put ourselves out there because we love you, and we hope this makes you laugh and reminds you just how much you mean to us. Have the best day. 🎂❤️ Thank you to everyone who joined in, and to Tami @hairlosspride who had really hoped to be part of it too ❤️ And to @jamiemiller for making so many people have a go! #alternativehair #wigfriendships #wigsisters #babydolldance

A week ago, I went to my first Alopecia walk, and the truth is, I’m still processing all the emotions from that day. I arrived feeling excited and very much a part of the community. I didn’t expect to get in my own head once I was there.

Surrounded by people whose hair loss stories were different from mine, I caught myself wondering, “Do I qualify? Do I belong here?”

Nobody made me feel that way. Everyone was welcoming. But sometimes we question ourselves, even in places where we’re already accepted.

As we walked, I felt the love and connection around me. At some point, I turned to my girlfriend and said, “I’m taking my wig off.”

So I kept walking with my shaved head, holding my pink wig and smiling.

Only afterward, when I saw this photo, did I notice my sign: “BE YOU TIFUL.”

Our stories don’t have to be the same for us to belong. We don’t need a certain amount of hair loss to wear a wig, and our hair doesn’t determine our beauty or our worth.

Even on the days we doubt ourselves, we are enough. Have you ever questioned whether you belonged, even when everyone welcomed you? 🤎

The first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month always makes me think of my mom. She faced breast cancer twice, and although she’s no longer here, I carry her strength with me every day.

But breast cancer wasn’t her first experience with this horrible disease. Before that, she had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which changed how she would move through life.

She never got to see me wearing wigs, but I know she would’ve loved it. My mom loved fashion and wore wigs herself in the ’60s and ’70s. I think she would’ve had so much fun with all my different looks. 💗

October brings much needed attention to breast cancer. And while I honor that, I also want to recognize every woman facing cancer of any kind. Whatever your diagnosis, I see you, and I stand with you.

Remembering my mom, honoring the women we’ve lost, and holding close those who are still facing this disease. 💗