When her hair started falling out due to high doses of chemotherapy she needed to fight cancer, Penny couldn't bring herself to go outside.
"I was really tired and the hair falling out was making me feel worse," Penny, 57, says.
"I did everything I could to keep what was left of the hair, but nothing worked and eventually I asked a friend to help me shave it all off.''
The next thing Penny did was make an appointment at the Wig Salon at Epworth Richmond. Two weeks later, volunteers were helping her try on different wigs.
Before it fell out, she had long brown hair, but she chose a wig with blonde shorter hair.
"Straight away it made me feel better, more confident, and I started dressing up and going outside more often. I even started getting complements from strangers about my hair which made me feel even better,'' she says.
"The wig itself makes a big difference to how you feel yourself and your confidence, but it's the volunteers and staff fussing over you that really lifts the spirits. They really care.''
Penny's courageous and inspiring journey has been particularly challenging as she has also suffered a massive stroke.
"There are so many issues when you are going through cancer, especially when you need aggressive treatment. Everyone at the salon and the hospital made me feel special and cared for me and I can't thank them enough," she says.
Penny is still receiving cancer treatment twice a week at Epworth Richmond and loves her new blonde look.
Penny's journey has been shared with salon volunteers, including Gabby Walters.
Gabby says, "My background was as an oncology nurse in the 80's and 90's looking after haematology/oncology and bone marrow transplant patients. I was also a nurse educator for three years looking after graduate nurses. I changed careers in the mid-90's and trained in theatrical technical production at NIDA in Sydney.''
"One of the things I most loved about nursing was patient education and supporting families. The Wig Salon was a very natural fit for me, incorporating both those aspects of patient care. I'm very privileged to be in a position to do this work and am humbled by the patients I see in the Wig Salon."
In 2025, the Wig Salon celebrates 10 years at Epworth Richmond, helping about 500 cancer patients feel more confident every year.
Kylie Semple, Volunteer Services Manager, Epworth, says wig salons across Epworth offer a lifeline to those experiencing hair loss.
Kylie says, "Patients receive not only a wig, headwear, and a bag of thoughtful goodies, but the opportunity to regain a sense of self. It's about more than hair - it's about restoring confidence and offering hope during some of life's toughest moments.''
"Our incredible volunteers play a key role, offering compassionate care and reminding patients that they don't have to face hair loss alone. This service is a true symbol of the power of community, care, and generosity in making a real difference for those in need.
"Volunteers are highly skilled, participate in ongoing training, and dedicated to providing the best experience for our patients. We offer patients the choice of a wig in their preferred style and colour, along with headwear suited for both day and night. Volunteers are focused solely on providing emotional and practical support, offering a safe, non-medical space where patients can simply be themselves without needing to share every detail of their journey."
"Many of our volunteers have lived experience, bringing understanding and empathy to each patient, ensuring the process of choosing a wig is a positive and empowering experience."
Wig salons at Epworth Richmond, Epworth Eastern, Epworth Freemasons and Epworth Geelong are possible thanks to the generous support from donors at Epworth Medical Foundation.
