Melissa
Younker
November 2012
Melissa
Younker
,
RN
Med/Surg, Oncology
Indiana University Health Arnett
Lafayette
,
IN
United States

 

 

 

A young female patient, a visiting scholar from China, was admitted to our unit. This patient had only been in the US for 2 weeks before being diagnosed with cancer. Faced with losing her long hair from the chemotherapy, the patient requested to donate her hair to Locks of Love.

Missy Younker RN on AC4 spent time with the patient, at the bedside, explaining the procedures; showing the patient the website; and even showed the patient pictures on the Internet of how short her hair would be cut. Missy also contacted Locks of Love by phone to verify the requirements.

Jackie Bosma RN, Resource Team, who is also an excellent beautician, came to the patient's room after she finished her scheduled shift. Jackie cut the patient's hair, as required by Locks of Love, i.e., in 10 inch small ponytails and made certain the hair was packaged correctly. Jackie also gave the patient the names of a couple of beauty shops where she could obtain a wig free of charge. Jackie received a DAISY as well.