ITAVCOA Supporting Cancer
Patients with Wigs

ITAVCOA supports Cancer Patients with a one time contribution. Those from marginalized communities and are most vulnerable. Supporting cancer patients with wigs does more than just provide a physical item; it offers emotional, psychological, and social support that can make a significant difference in their cancer journey.

Being a stage 4 Cancer survivor of 11 years, I know what it is like to feel your pain and experiences.

It Takes A Village Community Outreach and Advocacy are launching our Beautiful You Wigs which will provide Cancer patients with free wigs for women (one per person).

2025 STAY TUNE FOR CHANGES
TO THIS PROGRAM

ITAVCOA in 2025 we are in the process of having an event so that you get to choose the wig of your choice. More details will be provided soon.

BEAUTIFUL YOU WIGS

The visible signs of cancer, such as hair loss, can increase anxiety and depression. By providing wigs, you can help lessen these feelings, offering patients a sense of normalcy and control. Many cancer patients might withdraw socially due to the changes in their appearance. A wig can encourage them to stay active in their social circles, which is vital for their mental health.

Providing wigs can also foster a sense of community and solidarity among patients. Knowing that others care about their experience and are working to help can be incredibly uplifting. The ability to maintain their appearance can help them feel more like themselves, which is crucial for their self-esteem and mental health.

This community initiative effort helps make patients feel supported and less isolated.

Wig Donations are now being accepted to support these cancer patients. Please contact ittakesavillagecoa@gmail.com if you would like to donate a wig.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR WIGS

Nova Scotians being treated for cancer and dealing with hair loss can now get help with the cost of a wig through a one-time rebate of $300.

“A cancer diagnosis is scary enough. Hair loss due to the treatment needed to fight the cancer can be very upsetting for people going through an already very difficult time,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We want to give people some help to buy a wig if they choose and hopefully let them focus more of their energy on getting well.”

To be eligible for the program, people must:

be a resident of Nova Scotia with a valid health card
have a gross family income no greater than $35,000 per year
be enrolled in the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program
not have private insurance that covers the cost of a wig.

People can apply at: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/cancer-assistance.asp

Quick Facts:

about 360 patients could be eligible for the new program, which is estimated to cost $110,000
the cost of a wig can range from $200 to $2,000; the average cost is about $650
the Province also provides a rebate for mastectomy breast prostheses, as well as two programs that support low-income cancer patients – the Assistance for Cancer Patients and the Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy programs