Courtesy photo Wigs offered through Friends Together's free wig program are pictured.

ALPENA – Friends Together announced on Wednesday its new national partnership with EBeauty Community for Cancer Support, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free wigs to people undergoing treatment for cancer and other medically related hair loss.

According to the release, this new collaboration will allow Friends Together to expand its free wig program to better serve cancer patients in Northeast Michigan. Through this partnership with EBeauty Community for Cancer Support, Friends Together will have an expanded inventory of 100-plus new and refurbished wigs in a multitude of colors and styles.

While the ability to custom order is still an option, those in need of a wig will now have the ability to be fitted and choose a free wig to go home with the same day, Friends Together stated in the release. In addition to the chemo caps and head covers that the nonprofit already distributes, the organization will also now have an assortment of wig accessories and eyelashes available to patients for no charge, as well.

According to the release, the expansion of Friends Together’s wig program aims to support those experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments by boosting their confidence and improving their quality of life.

“We are thrilled to partner with EBeauty Community for Cancer Support,” Melissa Burns, Friends Together’s executive director, said in the release. “Their mission aligns perfectly with our goals of providing holistic care and support to cancer patients. Our free wig program is an invaluable resource that addresses a critical aspect of the healing process.”

Carolyn Keller, founder of EBeauty Community for Cancer Support and a two-time breast cancer survivor, said that wigs can help improve a person’s confidence while they are undergoing treatment.

“Losing one’s hair is often the first visible sign of illness, and it can be incredibly challenging. A wig can be a significant way to help patients feel better and face the day with more confidence,” Keller said in the release.

“Loss of hair has such an emotional impact on patients. Having a head cover or wig that fits well and looks nice, helps give patients the ability to look in the mirror and see themselves and not just their diagnosis,” Malinda Amlotte, Friends Together programs coordinator, added. “This new partnership empowers patients with more choices and allows us to provide up to two free wigs per person in a much more timely manner. ”

EBeauty Community for Cancer Support, headquartered in Stevensville, Maryland, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, according to the release. Its mission is to provide free wigs to women experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments and other medical conditions.

Friends Together is a nonprofit cancer support organization serving a six-county region of Northeast Michigan, according to the release. Founded in 1996, the organization has been working on advancing its vision of a community where no one faces cancer alone, for the last 30 years. For more information about the free wig program or any of the other comprehensive services and support the organization offers, visit friendstogethermi.org or call (989) 356-3231.