DETROIT – Hair loss is a sensitive topic for people, but it’s significantly harder for children.
Maggie Varney is on a mission to restore hair and confidence. On Tuesday (Aug. 20), Varney showed Local 4 the hair restoration process for boys and girls.
“There’s no place like this in the world, not just in Michigan,” said Varney.
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan helps children dealing with hair loss. Over 50% of her young clients, whom she refers to as ambassadors, are cancer patients.
The non-profit also works with children experiencing alopecia, trichotillomania, burn survivors, children with blood disorders, lupus, hydrocephalus, autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and skin disorders.
The children are called ambassadors because they represent hope, she said.
Varney, the founder and CEO, is a licensed cosmetologist. For 15 years, she volunteered her time and talent, helping adult cancer patients navigate their new appearance following chemotherapy and radiation, including as a facilitator for the American Cancer Society’s Look Good, Feel Better program.
In 2003, a teenager battling cancer asked for help during an adult workshop.
“I’d never met a child with cancer,” Varney said. “How many can there possibly be? There can’t be that many. I can help a few kids.”
Varney soon found that few places made wigs for children. She later started Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan.
Throughout the years, it has expanded to offer a wellness center to help with the psychological, social, emotional, and physical side effects of hair loss.
Children can receive other beauty treatments, such as manicures. There is also a full-service salon on-site.
Education is a significant component, whether it’s dealing with hair maintenance or supportive services.
“I say every child doesn’t have to have a wig, but every child has to have a choice,” she said.
Last year, the non-profit received almost 19,000 donations from 68 countries.
Before cutting the style, Varney works with wig companies to customize non-processed hair, including wig caps and hair color blends.
A short wig easily costs north of $3,000, meaning the longer the hair, the more expensive it is.
However, the consultation, customization, wig, beauty supplies, and supportive services cost nothing to the families.
To date, the salon and wellness center have provided 5,400 wigs. Any child suffering from hair loss, regardless of hair type, can walk away feeling confident.
It’s easy to see why Varney is nominated for a Go 4 It award.
After 21 years, it’s still not easy to see a new child needing her service.
“They really don’t want to be here,” Varney said with tears welling up in her eyes. “They don’t even make eye contact with you when you first come in.”
Sometimes, the first visit turns into teatime or playtime in the kid’s room. It may take multiple visits before a child warms up to the idea.
Yet, when they walk out the door, there’s a shift. Their health may be under attack, but never their hope.
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan operates mostly through donations and grants. The non-profit is scheduled to host its annual gala on Sept. 10.
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