Published: November 16, 2008 02:31 am      

Hats with Hugs event stocks FGH’s Wig Bank

Support ‘tremendous help’ to cancer patients

FAIRMONT — While there were plenty of hatters at Fairmont General Hospital, there wasn’t a mad one in sight Saturday at the first annual Hats with Hugs event.

The gathering was planned to help make hats to stock up FGH’s Wig Bank, which provides headwear to patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, regardless of their chosen treatment center.

Volunteers were asked to make hats, either with their own materials or by purchasing hat-making kit for $15. Proceeds from the kits went to the American Cancer Society.

The fun began with a hat-making soiree that ran most of the day. The event was capped off with a fashion show, with cancer survivors modeling the hats that were made that day.

Survivors were also treated to a “Look Good Feel Better” session. The program is a free, hands-on, group workshop that helps female cancer patients cope with the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. That session included tips on skin-care, makeup and hair/wig techniques.

Barbara Antulov, a one-year survivor, said the makeup session taught her things about makeup she never knew.

The hat-making party was especially helpful, she said.

“You don’t know how awful it is to have to shave your head,” she said.

Terry Pellerite, a 35-year survivor, came out to support others. The Caring and Sharing Cancer Support Group is a tremendous help to patients, she said.

“They really help people when they’re down,” Pellerite said.

Elaine Pollock, an 18-year survivor, said she encourages everyone she knows to take care of themselves and have regular checkups.

The longtime survivors like Pellerite and Pollock were an example to those like Lori Schmidt, who was just diagnosed with breast cancer in August, and Vicki Riffee, who was diagnosed in July.

Schmidt and Riffee came for the support and fellowship.

“It’s so amazing to see the support,” Schmidt said. “It’s nice to know how many people care.”

E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.