At the age of sixteen, Alina was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She never wanted to become “the girl with cancer.” She was the girl with big dreams and goals, determined to pursue her future of going to college in New York City as a Graphic Designer in the Fashion industry. The time previously reserved for tackling homework was taken up by regular chemotherapy treatments. Alina has always shown amazing resilience, even after losing her dad to Lung Cancer at a young age. She remained positive, never really showing how upset she got, almost as if protecting me from her worries. That’s just how strong she is. The changes that come with treatment though, like losing your hair, can be devastating for anyone, especially for a teenage girl. As a mother, it broke my heart, knowing what was happening to her physically on the inside, now painful emotionally on the outside.

On the journey to regain her health and her self-esteem, I would have given anything to make her smile again but the option of a new real hair wig was out of reach because insurance does not cover it. As a single parent, and the newly consistent worry involving financial issues related to her illness, we were already struggling. Almost giving up, we discovered this wonderful organization called OPERATIONBEYOUTIFUL, who generously offered to help. With special thanks to Andi Palmar, who thoughtfully coordinated a very special day just for Alina. Going above and beyond with the help of the girls at the charity’s salon: NUHART HAIR, provided her with professional, excellent care, making it a truly positive experience, through an otherwise difficult time. They helped select a wig that looked as similar to her natural hair as possible. Not only ordered the wig in the exact right color but also styled it so it looked like her own. Even graciously making adjustments when needed.

As if that wasn’t enough, Alina was treated to a shopping spree at her favorite store, Sephora and got to pick out an outfit at JCPenney’s. Makeup and clothes, that made her smile! And even while really anxious about losing her hair, it wasn’t such a big deal in the end because she had her wig and it made such a difference. Thanks to Andi and OPERATIONBEYOUTIFUL…

Looking good can truly help you feel good!!

Much Love,

Alina and Sandi Broome

 

We want to thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. Being a teenager and starting your adult life in college is exciting but difficult. Being a teenager diagnosed with cancer is devastating. There is no doubt that chemotherapy saves lives, and for that we are so blessed. However, the side effects and risks are awful. From hearing loss, to anemia, to a racing heart with shortness of breath, mouth sores, fatigue, are all so scary and Hannah had them all. But I must say the worst side effect of all was losing her hair. It broke my heart to see her heartache and there was nothing I could do to ease her pain. If it weren’t for your compassion, kindness, and generosity I’m not sure what we would’ve done. The wig that was given to Hannah made her feel better about herself and gave her self confidence. We will be forever grateful to you, and what you did meant the world to us. Here we are months later and Hannah is done with chemotherapy and remains cancer free. Her hair is still not as long as she would like and she continues to wear it every day.  You are an angel. Thank you.

Missy and Hannah Smitley

 

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Dear Lauren,
I’m touched beyond words. I truly am humbled and very grateful for what you and your team have done. Your thoughtfulness is a gift I will always treasure and my family and friends will recognize. Loosing my hair was a very heartbreaking thing for me. I felt as though that was the one thing people recognized me by. For I had hair that passed my hips. When my hair began to slowly fall out it was the worst feeling, I cried many nights, hoping that my hair would just thin, that maybe, just maybe I would be different. When I started noticing patches of my hair missing it was to much to bare and decided to shave the remaining hair off. A lot of women, not all, but a lot find strength and proudneness in their bald head. They feel that it shows what they are battling and that is perfectly fine, however with me I did not feel that way. I have always had a masculine body, broad shoulders, thicker eyebrows, undefined cheek bones. This only made worse for me and I was so focused on the fact of loosing my hair that it only made me feel worse about myself. I also absolutely hated the shape of my head. I just wanted to hide, being outside I would notice people staring, some kids pointing. They knew, they could see that I was different. When I received your Beyoutiful email I was so ecstatic. I had not done any research about the wig, whether or not it was human hair, synthetic hair, long or short. I just knew that I was so excited for the big reveal and I think that is wonderful and makes the moment so much more special. I’m so thankful to have been given this gift and to have such a wonderful group of people that also wants so badly to help and just make a day dedicated just for you. So much work goes into this gift and I want you to know that it IS recognized, from all of the fund raisers and the donations. To the meetings and preparation that goes into this. My heart just keeps thanking you and thanking you. You have made my day, and I will take this wig with much appreciation and wear it proudly.

 

IMG_4958Lauren, Ashley, and Andi of  Operation Beyoutiful were absolutely amazing. They showed so much care and compassion for Gabrielle and gave her a priceless gift.  Not only did they present her with an amazing wig, but they taught her kindness and compassion in its purest form. Gabrielle began losing her hair two years ago due to an autoimmune disease. As her disease progressed, she lost more and more hair and she also lost her self confidence. She looked for ways to cover her bald head and  stopped participating in the activities she loved. As a mother being torn up by her daughter’s daily battles, I spent endless hours researching products, hair extensions, and wigs. I reached out to some well known hair prosthetic organizations without any success. I had all but given up when Operation Beyoutiful came along. We found out about them through a mutual friend. I spoke with Lauren and Ashley on the phone. We live in SC and they are in Ohio. These young ladies cared so much for Gabrielle, that they planned every detail of an amazing adventure for my daughter.  They picked us up at the airport, booked our room, and upon our arrival the room was filled with Gabrielle’s favorite treats.  We spent the next two days with them  and they planned every detail  with Gabrielle in mind. They truly made us feel like part of their family. The community’s support and efforts of Operation Beyoutiful have changed Gabrielle’s life forever. On our final evening, the big reveal happened. This is where Gabrielle was presented with a gorgeous hand made wig. I cried with joy and Gabrielle was happy beyond words.  My daughter looked like herself again. She was glowing and proud.  This reignited self confidence has not left her since. These wonderful people gave my daughter more than just a wig. They not only restored her self confidence but they also showed kindness and compassion beyond belief. We went home with more than just new hair. 

I wanted to thank Operation BeYoutiful for helping my daughter in a time of need. They were a blessing that I will never forget.

My daughter Camryn age 10 at the time had a condition called Trichotillomania. This is an impulse control disorder where you pull out your own hair. She became completely bald in the back of her head with only a thin layer of hair covering it. It became so bad that she could not hide it anymore. I was distraught. As a mother you want to fix everything for your child and make it better and I was at a loss. I didn’t understand the situation, I didn’t understand the condition, I didn’t know what was going on with my beautiful daughter. I contacted a child psychologist, I contacted the school, I contacted John Rutter from JR. Hair Design because I knew he dealt with baldness and wigs and he in turn contacted Operation BeYoutiful. The psychologist helped Camryn with her impulse disorder and helped us to understand Trichotillomania, the school watched over Camryn and protected her from bullying and helped with everything we needed. Operation BeYoutiful donated a wig to help Camryn get through these trying times. They were a blessing from God. This wig gave Camryn the confidence she needed, she was so ashamed and self conscious before that. She wore it everyday to school with pride for almost 3 months until her hair grew back in. She then got a nice short hair cut that she loved.
She currently has been pull free for 8 months! She has beat Trichotillomania! God puts people in your path to help you in a time of need and I thank god for John Rutter who introduced us to Lauren Palmar, Operation BeYoutiful! She is truly an angel. Operation BeYoutiful helped us in our time of need and we are so grateful.

Operation BeYoutiful is a beautiful organization. They instilled confidence back into a child that had lost it. My heart overflows with gratitude for the thoughtfulness and kindness they showed my daughter Camryn. It will never be forgotten.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

With immense gratitude,

Danna Campbell