Hope Not Fear: Finding the Silver Lining

Most women dread losing their hair and having to wear a wig during their treatment. It's really hard to accept losing such an integral part of your appearance and femininity - even if temporary. An added concern is how others will perceive that hair loss and treat you as a result of it. To add a fresh perspective to this important and sensitive subject, we conducted an interview with Cheri who's taken a refreshing attitude to wearing wigs, adding her own creative approach to making the experience more fun in light of a difficult situation.

My Wife’s Battle with Breast Cancer

"In September of 2007, I married the girl of my dreams. Five months later, Jennifer was diagnosed with Stage 3B Breast Cancer." starts the story of an American couple's battle against breast cancer and how it changed both their lives forever. Following plenty of ups and downs in her cancer treatment, Jennifer unfortunately passed away but the photographs taken by her husband Angelo stand as a honest testament of what this part of their life was like and the beauty she has left behind to inspire others..

Inspiration Collection

There’s truly lots of helpful information online regarding breast cancer awareness, but it often goes ignored for being either too deja-vu, medical or boring. We strongly believe in the role design plays in getting the right message across so we spent a few days looking online for the most creative samples out there. Below are a few of our favorites and feel free to share them with others or print them out to serve as reminders when needed:

Source: Worldwide Breast Cancer

Source: I Heart Guts

Source: Asbestos News (Click to see enlarged)

Check out more from our collection of creative self-check tips and references here. We’ll keep adding to it along the way and if you have spotted some interesting breast cancer awareness flyers, campaigns or ads, please share with us by email to onewigstand@gmail.com or by posting directly on our Facebook page.

The Different Sides of Poly (and Her Wigs)

Poly, a talented singer and songwriter making a huge bang in the Lebanese music scene, knows how to stand out. Besides her vivacious stage presence, you’ll seldom catch her without one of her funky wigs – even on a regular day when she’s not performing.

One Wig Stand took a few minutes from Poly’s busy schedule to conduct this small one-on-one interview to get to know her (and her wigs, of course) a little bit better:

Poly performing at DRM – December 2011 (Photo by Loryne Atoui)

1. What’s with all the wigs? Tell us about your obsession with wearing them.

First off, I want to say that my wigs are not natural.

For me the point of wearing a wig is not about trying to make people believe that I have natural, colorful, awesome, funky hair – I wear them literally because I can. I used to get bored with my hairstyles very easily. I think having braids was the only hairstyle that took months for me to get over, so instead of messing up my hair every week with new colors and cuts, I figured, why not wear wigs? That way I can change colors and cuts whenever I want.

My wigs are an expression of my moods or what I’m feeling that day.

That’s why I’m called Poly; I have different sides of me and I have a wig for each of those sides! The wig world is a limitless one.

2. When did you first start wearing wigs?

Less than a year ago when I took out my braids.

Poly, back in the braid days.. (Photo source: Poly’s Official Fan Page on Facebook)

3. How many wigs do you currently own?

Around 25, but I don’t always use all of them..

4. How do you choose which wig to wear during your performances?

To be honest, I rarely plan ahead when it comes to what I’m wearing, including the wig I’ll be wearing, which is something that really annoys my designer Farah Hourani! But I just want the way I look on stage to completely express the way I’m feeling that day (or week) so we usually grab a bunch of outfits and wigs and then we mix-and-match them backstage before the concert!

Experimenting with looks – Which wig will Poly wear today?  (Photo source: Poly’s Official Fan Page on Facebook)

5. Where do you purchase or get your wigs from?

I get my wigs from Hair & More in Sin El-Fil but I always find a way to recreate them or cut them. My friend, and co-songwriter, Carl Ferneine once decided to play around with my purple ponytail and made it into my fauxhawk.

6. How do you take care of the wigs?

I brush and wash them, but I don’t take care of them nearly as much as I should..

7. Do you have a wig stand?

Yes I do! Waking up next to plastic heads wasn’t very pleasant in the beginning so I had to move all my wigs and heads to what we now call “The Wig Room”.

8. How do others respond to your wearing wigs?

Mostly I get people asking me if the wig is natural or not, and my typical answer is “It never is.. “ Or I’ll get people asking me why I’m wearing wigs and where I get them from. The intense staring never gets old of course, but that doesn’t stop me from experimenting with my wigs and fashion.

Poly behind-the-scenes (Photo source: Poly’s Official Fan Page on Facebook)

9. Do you wear them on a daily basis outside of your performances or public appearances? If so, please share why.

I wear my wigs whenever I feel like it – which is 80% of the time. It’s not just for entertainment purposes. For me, it’s like wearing a funky hat, or an accessory. I love my natural brown curly hair but I just get bored.

And basically, why not?

10. Have you met others who wear wigs for other reasons (such as breast cancer patients) and can you now tell when someone is wearing a wig?

I actually haven’t met anyone in person that wears wigs (for any reason), but yes, sometimes I can tell when someone is wearing a wig.

Poly performing at DRM – December 2011 (Photo by Loryne Atoui)

Don’t let all the wigs intimidate you – Poly’s one of the sweetest performers you’ll ever meet. Not only is Poly a singer and fashionista, but she’s a passionate human rights activist who supports causes close to heart. Who knows? Perhaps our unified obsession with wigs might bring forth an interesting collaboration for breast cancer awareness with the up-and-rising star in the future!

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Follow Poly on Twitter:

@FollowPoly

Follow Poly on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/OfficialPoly

Interview | Rosemin Manji

Rosemin Manji, founder of RR&Co. Bespoke Luxury Management and the popular host of “Fashion Thursdays on Studio One” on Dubai One TV, is an influential advocate for breast cancer awareness in the Middle East. Rosemin was also recently involved with in the Bras for a Cause Middle East campaign as both a Jury member and a guest speaker at the Dubai fashion show event.

Rosemin guest speaking at the recent Bras for a Cause event in Dubai

As a wonderful role model for women of all ages, we thought, who better to talk about this important cause? We took a few minutes out of Rosemin’s busy schedule to get her take on this topic and what it means to her:

1. As we’ve come to learn, your mother is a breast cancer survivor and no doubt an inspiration for your active involvement in supporting awareness campaigns for this cause. How has what she’s gone through affected you? Please describe with us your experience as the daughter of a survivor.

My mom was diagnosed over 25 years ago, a time when no one really talked about it and there wasn’t as many options except than to remove the breasts and go through extensive chemo. I was only 4 when she was doing the hospital visits and chemo treatment yet those memories are still feel very vivid. I remember being very scared at the thought of losing her.

We were very lucky that a young doctor from Florida flew into a small town in Canada to perform the reconstrution for her. I am so blessed that she is still alive and well, and that medicine and technology have advanced so that we now have better early detection methods.

Check out a clip of Rosemin’s speech at the event below:

2. What advice would you give to a family member or friend of someone diagnosed with breast cancer?

Be supportive, be a friend and be a good listener. Sometimes while going through something this traumatic, you need someone to laugh with and a shoulder to cry on – all at the same time.

3. A drawing concern for women who have been touched by breast cancer within their family is “Am I at risk too?” Has this question ever come to mind and have you ever gotten a mammography scan to eliminate any doubt?

Knowing that I have breast cancer in my family now, I do annual phyicals with my doctor and mammography scans every other year. My doctor taught me how to properly do a self-exam so I do this VERY regularly. It’s important to know your body.

4. What are your thoughts on the growing rate of breast cancer in the Middle East and what would encourage more women to get checked early-on? 

Over the past three years, I have seen a growth in education and more emphasis on breast cancer awareness in the region. We need to change the myth that only women who are 40 and above can get breast cancer. This misconception tends to make women who are in their 20s and 30s more passive about getting scanned.  Two years ago, a close friend of mine in Dubai was diagnosed at the young age of 31 so it’s really never too early to start getting checked.

5. Breast cancer is often referred to as “that disease” and people in our part of the world shy away from talking about it as it’s still very-much regarded as taboo. Survivors oftentimes suffer in silence for fear of being rejected by society. Do you think that the public’s perception is changing and what, in your opinion, can be done to remove that “taboo” that comes along with breast cancer in the Middle East?

It’s all about education. We as a society need to learn about all types of cancer (prostate cancer, breast cancer etc.) for both our own good and to help educate others. It will take time but campaigns, like Bras for a Cause Middle East, are the first steps toward creating this kind of awareness.

Rosemin taking the K-Lynn Pledge in support of early detection. She's wearing the stylish "Pink Outside the Box" custom-designed t-shirt by Customnation for the "Look Good, Feel Good" Collection.

6. It was an honor having you involved in Bras for a Cause Middle East for the past few months as not only a Jury member but as an active supporter of the campaign. What initially drew you to take part in the campaign and do you think it was successful in raising awareness? What were the key highlights of the campaign for you?

It was a real honour to be a part of Bras for a Cause Middle East and I enjoyed the fashion element of the campaign. Women often feel less feminine or attractive after surgery, so the bra design competition was something that I thought was appropriate yet fun at the same time.

7. If you could leave one closing message about breast cancer to all the young women reading this interview, what would it be?

I am begging women, regardless of how old you are, PLEASE get a mammogram scan done. Take your girlfriends, mothers and sisters with you! Also learn to do a self-exam so you can detect any changes in your body.

Lastly, buy one of the cool t-shirts or bras from the “Look Good, Feel Good” Collection as full proceeds will be donated to breast cancer groups across the region making a difference.

Grab your own "Pink Outside the Box" t-shirt and other fab items from the collection at the following stores: Galeries Lafayette, K-Lynn Lingerie, Cream, Maison Bo-M, Amuse Concept Store, Pink Dust, Sotra, La T-Shirterie and online at Aura-b: http://www.aura-b.com

Rosemin Manji proves that “pink” truly never goes out of style. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview with us and we hope you’re important message of awareness leaves an impact on anyone reading this.

Lara’s Story

We had a chance to meet Lara Safar at our recent Bras for a Cause fashion show in Dubai where she openly shared her inspirational story of overcoming the disease to all our guests, starting with the following simple yet very powerful introduction:

Two years ago, this is probably how I would have introduced myself: “Hi everyone, my name is Lara. I’m Lebanese. I’m 25-years-old and I work in advertising”. Today I say: “Hi everyone, my name is Lara. I’m a twenty-seven year-old breast cancer survivor.”

“Twenty-seven-year-old” and “survivor” in one sentence is not something you hear every day, but Lara has actively proven (and continues to do so) the importance of early detection – no matter how old you are. We took a few minutes to get to know this fascinating young woman a little bit better to spread her important message to all women across the Middle East:

1. How did you find out that you had breast cancer? 

I sensed a lump in one of my breasts but kind of ignored it at the beginning as I didn’t think it was anything abnormal. One day I could sense it, the next day I couldn’t. I thought it was in my head and that I was being paranoid until one day at the beach when a friend of mine felt it and encouraged me to get a doctor’s appointment (which I did). After that, I did some tests, including an ecography and a mammography before the doctor announced the news to me.

2. What was your first thought upon hearing the diagnosis and what was treatment like? 

I was shocked when I first found out because I was not expecting it. Given that I was only 25 years old at the time and that I didn’t have any family history, it came as a surprise for me.

My first reaction was that this is not possible; I didn’t believe it.

I thought the doctor was wrong until I did more tests and got checked by other doctors who also confirmed that I had attained stage 2 breast cancer.

The treatment varies case by case. Given my age and the stage of my cancer, I had to undergo chemotherapy for almost 1 year and 3 months. It was 1 session every 3 weeks. I also did a surgery whereby the tumor was removed from my breast, followed by daily radiotherapy treatment for almost 5 weeks.

3. Is breast cancer genetic in your family? If not, how were doctors able to explain why you were diagnosed with it at such a young age?  

No one from my family had been attained by breast cancer and it’s still a question mark as to how I was diagnosed with it at such a young age. No science so far has been able to determine the reasons behind breast cancer in general. It is said that the probability of breast cancer increases with age and if there’s a family history, but people tend to think that they can only be attained by it for those reasons – which is a total misconception. My case is the proof of that. It’s very important that people correct their conception with regards to this matter.

Stages of Recovery: Before, During and After (left-to-right) Photos courtesy of Lara

4. What helped you recover during and after treatment? 

Of course, what helped me was the support of my family, in spite of this being very hard on them. They never showed me that they were in pain and always kept a hopeful attitude with a smile on their faces. My friends were also always there for me and I was constantly surrounded by the people I love. Most and foremost, having an optimistic spirit was the key to surviving this episode.

5. Were you able to meet other survivors your age and how important is the support of others who’ve gone through the same thing? 

I haven’t met many people who were attained by breast cancer at quite the young age like I have – only 1 as a matter of fact and I met her at the hospital. She had discovered it after I had already started my treatment so my case was more advanced than hers at the time we met. She was still at the beginning of her treatment so I found myself helping her by telling her what to expect and the different stages she’d have to go through.

6. Did you wear a wig during treatment, and if so, why did you chose to do so? If not, what helped you to make such a bold decision? 

Before I started chemotherapy I had very long hair, which I loved. As soon as my hair started to fall, I went to a hair salon specialized in making wigs from your own hair. They cut my hair and used it to make the wig, but I never wore it. I felt as if I would be lying to myself as well as to others. It wasn’t right and it didn’t look nice or natural to me. So instead I resorted to wearing scarves which felt much more comfortable. I started matching them with my outfits and would constantly received compliments on them.

Given that I never wore my wig, my friends and family helped themselves to it instead. It was very funny seeing them in a new hairstyle – especially the boys!

Lara’s fabulous scarf style during treatment. Photos courtesy of Lara

7. How has breast cancer changed your outlook on life? 

Many people say that after rough experiences, their perception of life changes. To be very honest with you, that has not been the case with me. Like I mentioned at the Bras for a Cause event, I’m still the same person. I still like the same things and still have the same friends. Nothing has changed really except that maybe now I try to do more of the things I like to do (like eating out, traveling, etc…) and avoid doing the things that I don’t like doing (like exercising!). But that’s not because I think that life is too short; far from that! Rather it’s because I now feel that there’s no point in doing things that don’t matter to you.

8. What tips or advice would you like to give for other Middle Eastern breast cancer patients about to undergo the same thing? 

That there is no point in being sad or asking questions like “why me?” as this will not make the cancer go away. My advice would be to look at the bright side and look at all the good things that will come out of this experience as they’re countless.

Another important thing to bear in mind is to find the best doctors as they will give you the confidence you need and will provide you with the best treatment possible to increase your chances of surviving.

Lastly, dont spend too much time on the internet looking for answers. Most of the times they’re exaggerated and incorrect. Ask questions to the right people (i.e. doctors).

9. You’ve been very open about your experience, which isn’t very common in the region. What boosted you to do so and how has the public responded to your story? Do you find talking about your experience difficult? 

When I survived, I took a pledge to start raising awareness about early detection because I want other women to be able to survive this like I did – and early detection is key for that. More so, I believe there is no shame in being  a cancer survivor. On the contrary; after this experience, people have so much more admiration, respect and love towards me. So why to not talk about it, especially when it can help others and make a difference?

Lara sharing her story at the Bras for a Cause fashion show in Dubai (October 2011)

The public has been quite responsive to my story. I’ve done a lot of media interviews and have spoken at a couple of events. Following those experiences, I now get stopped by random people who applaud my courage and thank me for opening their eyes by sharing my story. I really hope that my message has resonated with others and that women will do regular check-ups religiously!

10. What did you think of the recent Bras for a Cause fashion show event that you were also a guest speaker at? What kind of campaigns would you like to see more of in the region? 

This is a brilliant event because although the core of it is breast cancer awareness, it was surrounded by other fun activities which encouraged people to attend and take part. If the event had been more focussed towards the cause and the medical side of it, then it probably wouldn’t have captured as much attention.

I really hope that more campaigns will take place in the region, and not just in October (breast cancer awareness month) but rather all year long.

Safe & Sound‘s activities, such as their walk-a-thon, annual survivor fashion show, book sale, and, most importantly, the 5,000 free mammography vouchers they give away to women who can’t afford to get checked are also good examples.

Lara celebrates reaching the “Finish Line” at the end of her treatment. Photo courtesy of Lara

Thank you Lara for taking the time to share your story with us. You’re a true inspiration and we applaud your commitment to spreading your message of breast cancer awareness. We wish you the best of luck in all you do!

The Pink Ribbon Phenomenon

“This October has a whole new meaning for me. October, as many of you know is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and up until 2011, it has had much less of an impact on me. I have always been a fan of pink but I am certainly more conscious of it now. Wearing my pink wig to chemo meant I was a supporter of all women (and men) going through breast cancer but it also represented me kicking cancer’s ass. Now, when I see someone wearing a pink ribbon, I feel supported or feel like I have some connection with that person because he or she has felt the effects, whether it was directly or indirectly, of breast cancer.” - Katie from The Bald & The Beautiful

We came across Katie’s recent post and had to share it. As October comes to close, it’s also a time to reflect about what all the pink ribbons and awareness campaigns are about. Why are we wearing pink and what drives everyone to support this cause? Is it a trend? Are we truly conscious of who the companies behind the campaigns are helping and why? Some food for thought as you put on a pink ribbon this month and make sure your doing it for the right reasons above all.

We highly recommend you read Katie’s (one of our newest favorite bloggers) latest post Pinktober where she goes more in-depth about the topic and how the pink ribbon phenomenon is affecting her as a survivor:

“Some think that the pink ribbon has taken away from the severity of it all, that being represented by a cute little, pink, perfect ribbon doesn’t represent breast cancer properly or the way it should. Wrapping breast cancer up in a pink ribbon can give the impression that it’s not as severe as other cancers.. The pink ribbon has a whole new significance to me but the way I see it; we need to educate the general public about the consumerism of the pink ribbon, the importance of knowing how your donation is being allocated and the true meaning of awareness.” - Katie

We couldn’t agree more. Thank you Katie for sharing your insight on the topic. For anyone reading this, we’d love to hear your thoughts too on “Pinktober” and how this month has affected you.

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We’ll be posting Katie’s story soon on One Wig Stand. Keep posted!

Get on Letterman? Done!

After hearing about stand-up comedian’s, Steve Mazan’s, story of full-filling his lifetime dream of getting on The Late Show with David Letterman after being diagnosed with cancer, we seized the chance to talk to him more. Whoever said there are no positives about cancer was obviously not dreaming large enough!

1. Tell us a bit about you. What was life like before cancer?

My name is Steve Mazan and I’m a full time stand-up comedian. I travel the country and the world making strangers laugh. I was born in Chicago, started comedy in San Francisco, and live in Los Angeles. I was doing comedy for 6 years when i got diagnosed with cancer in 2006. I had cancer in my intestines that was removed through surgery. Unfortunately the cancer had already spread tumors to my liver. There is no cure or treatment for those tumors at this time, and upon diagnosis I was given a worst-case scenario of five years to live. That was 6 years ago.

2. What was your first reaction upon hearing you were diagnosed with cancer?

I felt like I was living a dream. I can’t even say nightmare, because it didn’t feel awful at first. Just not real. It felt surreal.

The reality crept up on me, and my wife after a bit of time. We’d just have moments where the weight of it all hit us. Then there was a lot of crying and being scared. But surprisingly soon, maybe a couple weeks later, the magic of life happened: It kept going on. Everything around me kept going forward. As bad as I felt, life went on.

That allowed me to move on too. I started to look at what I wanted to make sure happened if that that 5 year worst case scenario was true. For me it was making sure my life long goal of performing on David Letterman’s show came true.

3. What was that push that led you to pursue your dream of performing comedy on the Late Show with David Letterman?

David Letterman had been a hero of mine since I was kid and was introduced to his old NBC show. He had the best comics on his show. He made me want to be a comic and perform on his show.

When Dave moved to CBS and an earlier timeslot, his show replaced Johnny Carson as the pinnacle of stand-up comedy on TV. Only the best of the best get to be on his show.

4. How did it feel when you finally made it on the show?

Undescribable. Most of the time life does not measure up to your dreams. And when dreams come true, they are seldom as good as you imagined them. Getting on Letterman blew every expectation I had out of the water. It was even better than I had dreamed.

5. How have the public, and other cancer patients, reacted to your documentary film “Dying to do Letterman“?

It’s strange when someone learns you have cancer. A lot of people don’t know how to act. i don’t think there is any right way. It’s natural to feel sorry for someone and at the same time most patients don’t want pity. Both are natural feelings.

Plus, being in the entertainment industry I was actually told not to share my diagnosis because people might not want to invest money and time on someone who might not be around long-term. Again, all understandable at some level, but definitely fear based.

But the project of “Dying to Do Letetrman” has been received by cancer patients and non-patients just as well. We first screened the movie for a cancer group and got an incredible response. But we were even more surprised that that reaction was replicated from a general audience soon after.

6. Do you use cancer as a subject in your routines? If so, how do you approach it and what are the no-nos for joking about cancer?

I actually don’t joke too much about cancer in my act. Most people coming to see me don’t know about my diagnosis. Sharing that with them onstage would change their natural reaction to my act. I’d be worried that I’d be getting sympathy laughs.

However if I’m doing a show for people who have seen my movie or know my diagnosis (like a cancer group or benefit) I do some relatively dark material about it. Cancer groups love it because they have learned to survive by laughing at everything. It’s usually people who aren’t affected by cancer personally that take any offense.

7. Share with us one of your most popular cancer jokes:

Me and my wife’s favorite is “I used to think I never wanted to get married. I could never imagine spending my whole life with just one person…but if that’s only a couple more years…”

8. Have you completed all the items on your list? Are there other dreams you’re currently pursuing that you’d like to share?

I completed my biggest goal.Letterman. I still want to have kids. And now I want a billion people to see our documentary “Dying To Do Letterman.” Every person who has seen it has said they’ve been inspired to chase their own dreams harder. I think the world would be better if more people did that. So I’d like to help.

9. What do you recommend for others coping with cancer?

It’s not how much time you have, it’s what you do with it.

10. And finally, would you consider perfoming in Lebanon, or somewhere in the Middle East?

YES!!! I’ve been to Iraq and Afghanistan and would love to add Lebanon to the resume!

Thank you Steve for taking the time to chat with us. Keep fulfilling your dreams and inspiring others as you have us. We really hope you get a chance to perform in Lebanon too. I think you’ll have some new fans here very soon

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Show your support for Steve and what he’s doing by signing up for his newsletter here. If you need more convincing, watch this video.

PS: We absolutely love this album of “Dying to..” tags inspired by the film.