Wigs 4 Kids holds gala to raise money for new facility
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WJBK) - Wigs 4 Kids provides free wigs and much more for families in need and now their seeking your help. On Friday night, they held a fundraiser they hope will help them raise funds to buy a permanent location.
Thirteen years ago, this licensed cosmetologist came across a big need for our local children battling cancer.
"I volunteer, so I found this program called Look Good Feel Better through the American Cancer Society. And you can become certified. And I go to local cancer centers and hospitals," said Maggie Varney, founder and CEO of Wigs 4 Kids.
Varney realized most of the children dealing with cancer and other illnesses causing hair loss could not afford wigs.
"I owned a salon. I was certified and accredited to work with adults. I thought I certainly could help a few kids," she said.
Varney had no idea just how many children needed help. She opened Wigs 4 Kids in St. Clair Shores and has personally designed more than 3,000 free wigs for children.
Most wigs cost thousands of dollars, and most insurance providers do not cover the cost.
"In 13 other states, it is mandated that insurance pays for a wig. Michigan is not one of them," Varney said.
She has written bills, and started a petition to change that.
"The families are so grateful because they have no place to go," she said.
Wigs 4 Kids is also a wellness center for families and demand has skyrocketed.
That's why hundreds of volunteers are donating time and money to throw a fundraiser gala at the Wyndham Garden Hotel.
"This needs to be recognized as a necessity so one day when Ms. Maggie isn't here anymore, this program can go on and be sustainable," Varney said.
The gala was also be a party for the children and families coping with unimaginable pain.
"They just wanna be a normal kid," Varney said. "They just want to go out into society and look and feel normal."
If you can donate to Wigs 4 Kids, or you want to sign the petition Maggie mentioned, visit wigs4kids.org.