LIVING in the same suburb is not the only thing Dianella residents Barbara Harris and Denise Schmidt have in common – both women have had experiences with cancer.
Retiree Ms Harris and banker Ms Schmidt both volunteer for Cancer Council WA’s Wig Library – a service dedicated to men and women experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment.
The Wig Library service, based at Shenton Park’s Milroy Lodge, is run entirely by volunteers and Cancer Council WA hopes to fill a number of current vacancies to keep up with the demand.
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READ NOWHaving been through her own cancer journey, the decision to take up a volunteer role at the wig library was an easy one for Ms Harris.
“After retiring I wanted to dedicate the extra time I had to do something meaningful and the Cancer Council Wig Library is a perfect fit for me, it’s a very personal experience and I thoroughly enjoy it,” Ms Harris said.
Ms Schmidt has been volunteering at the wig library for 19 years, dedicating one Wednesday a month to the Wig Library program.
Her cancer connection began in 2000 after her mother passed away from the disease.
“A year later my husband passed away from a brain tumour,” Ms Schmidt said.
“I always tell my family not to complain because the people I see through the service really remind me how lucky we are.”