Cancer Support House’s Salon Marvilla gets a makeover

Staff and volunteers at the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House know the emotional and physical toll cancer takes on the patients battling it. To help aid in the difficult process that often comes with chemo and radiation treatments, the organization offers salon services to fit patients for wigs or accessories following hair loss.

It is all done in the center's in-house salon, Salon Marvilla, which unveiled a new look of its own on Tuesday (Jan. 27).

The salon underwent a much-needed makeover that entailed a remodel designed to freshen and reorganize the heavily-utilized space. Funded entirely through the work of volunteer efforts, the project was a true labor of love, according to volunteers.

Volunteer Jennifer Tipton-Kelly organized a wreath-a-thon event for her friends and many others from the community to help raise funds needed to update Salon Marvilla. Originally dedicated on Nov. 5, 2013, the salon was named in honor of Marvilla Trickett. Trickett fought her own battle with cancer, but was best remembered, according to the Support House, as an individual "whose loving spirit, varied talents and enduring courage brought joy and inspiration to every life she touched."

Approximately 50 women joined Tipton-Kelly for the wreath-a-thon, to craft large mesh wreaths in the style of their choice. Each paid to participate in the group crafting session, which brought in $1,550 for the makeover. Proceeds were then used to purchase equipment and supplies for the project.

Tuesday's unveiling ceremony invited members of the community to tour the updated salon and learn more about the services offered through the center. Volunteers were on-hand to talk about the renovations and to serve clients.

SALON SERVICES
Perhaps best known for its wig and accessory service, Salon Marvilla provides a comforting environment for patients to come and learn how to best deal with the loss of hair from cancer treatments. Trained volunteers walk through options with the clients and privately fit them with an appropriate wig, hat, or turban of their choice.

The wig service is a crucial part of the support process for many cancer patients. Most popular among women, the organization provides approximately 250 women and about 10 men receiving wigs with annually. In 2014, the Center distributed more than 1,200 wigs, turbans, and hats to registered clients.

"Some patients say that losing their hair is one of the most difficult parts about battling cancer," Steffens said.

The center aims to help patients feel more confident about how they look on the outside, with the hope it will positively impact how they feel on the inside. The Cancer Support House also strives to ease part of the financial burden patients face by providing all services and supplies at no cost.

"Good synthetic wigs average between $350-$500, with good human hair wigs being even more costly," said Steffens. "With all the costs that come with battling cancer, many simply can't afford to pay that for a wig. Our organization is proud to offer these to clients free of charge."

Consultations by trained professionals are also provided at no cost and no appointment is necessary to visit the salon.

MAKEOVER COMPONENTS
Steffens explained that the upgrades to the salon were much needed in order to help the organization's clients feel more at ease. The transformation involved several different components, including a new color scheme, modern furniture, product reorganization and more.

"The salon was a nice place to visit before the upgrade. Yet, with the salon's facelift, the walls are painted a calm and inviting green. A new chandelier, new rug, new chairs, new mirrors, and side table were added. Updated wig heads are displayed and the shelves are staged to better display the style and types of available wigs. The wig inventory was reorganized for more efficient patient services with product close at hand."

All upgrades were made to enhance the salon for a more positive experience. The salon also provides spa days to pamper patients, as well as beauty workshops each month. Each session includes a 12-step skin care/make-up application lesson, demonstrations for dealing with hair loss, and nail care techniques. Participants take home complimentary cosmetic kits in their appropriate skin tones (light, medium, dark, extra dark) with helpful instruction booklets.

"The salon now provides a total patient-centered wig fitting experience in a beautiful room decorated for ladies who have lost their hair, or will soon lose their hair, due to cancer treatment," said Steffens. "From a compassionate head shaving to receiving a flattering wig, we seek to restore a woman's joy as she bravely walks along her cancer journey. "

SALON STAFFING BOOST
With the new upgrades also comes a new partnership in the form of helpful volunteers.

"Highly trained staff and volunteers are passionate to assist women in the salon," said Steffens. "As of this week, Academy of Salon & Spa will be partnering with us to provide professional services, from individualized consultations to helping a patient select a flattering  wigs, to instructions on the proper care of the wigs. Academy students are making a positive impact on patient services.  Academy is also enhancing the salon services by adding makeup consultations and a nail salon service."

Several Academy students and owner Trish Anderson attended the unveiling. Anderson had the chance to assist the salon's first patron since the remodel. Being her first time to the center, the patient was welcomed in and walked through the services offered by the organization and the salon. She was also fitted for a new wig and given tips for how to properly style and care for it by Anderson.

"This is absolutely incredible," said the patient. "This is my first time here and I am just blown away by everything offered. I had hoped to maybe get a wig, which is a lot in itself, but everything they have been able to do and help me with. … It is just amazing."

Steffens is thrilled with the results of the salon's makeover and believes it will better compliment the organization's overall goal of helping patients and families survive the difficult process of battling cancer.

"Our beautiful Salon Marvilla now shines … from the light in the pretty chandelier to the light in a patients eyes. … It is a happy place. We are honored to serve cancer patients with this beautiful gift to the community."