Bedford’s boutique is a whole mood

"Your hair is part of your character and personality—there’s an emotional connection,” said Sarah Lynch, IU Health Bedford Hospital Oncology and Hematology Infusion project coordinator. “And losing your hair, which is common for cancer patients, can have a significant impact on a person.”

That’s why she worked with her team in 2024 to create a boutique within their unit where patients can turn this experience into something fun.

“The worst thing was getting my hair cut off,” said Yvonne Corey, whose hair had been falling out due to her cancer treatment. “I felt really good when I came in here.”

Located in the scheduling office near the unit’s entrance, the space has a vanity placed center-stage in front of a purple wall that displays a variety of natural-looking and colorful wig options.

“Some people want it to look as close to their hair as possible, while others want to try something new and play with colors and cuts,” said Sarah. “It’s fun to see the experience when they put on the wig after the hair loss—their whole mood changes.”

“There are just so many to pick from, I couldn’t believe it,” said Yvonne. “I think it’s great.”

This one-on-one boutique-like experience sees some patients try on two or three options, while others try on 30. And when they choose their new look, they can walk away with everything they need in a bag with tissue paper.

“We provide our patients the wig, wig stand and wig care products free of charge,” said Sarah. “We can do this because of donations, a partnership with the Lawrence County Cancer Services and a pay-it-forward mentality of our boutique users.”

Sarah adds that her administrative team has supported this initiative, which is a large part of why her dream became a reality.

“It used to be out of sight, out of mind, with nurses grabbing the tote of wigs from a closet when patients mentioned wanting to look at wigs,” said Sarah. “Now, my office is a whole mood that invites patients to come in.”

The boutique is especially helpful for rural patients who don’t have the option to go to wig salons in larger cities.

“Sometimes, a wig or special hat can make all the difference,” said Sarah. “It’s been amazing to connect with our patients more and help them in this way—I love it.”