Hair today, help tomorrow CROWNS OF COURAGE THE STORY In 2014, Rachel Semro and her family experienced something far too many families must confront. Rachel’s 10-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called aplastic anemia and had to undergo a bone marrow transplant. For Ashlyn, the biggest fear in her cancer journey was losing her hair. Fortunately, Rachel and her husband found a company that makes wigs and, before Ashlyn lost her hair, cut it and had it transformed into a wig. “We thought it could make a difference and help her through her treatment,” Semro said. “She wore it every day for almost a year while she recovered. It helped increase her self-esteem, made her feel normal, and allowed her to go into public and not have people stare at her.” Seeing this emotional boost made Semro question why other children undergoing chemotherapy weren’t also wearing wigs. She quickly learned that many families in a medical crisis don’t have money to spend on wigs. Medical bills, copays and taking off of work for countless doctors’ appointments are bigger priorities during treatment. So Semro enlisted her good friend, Jessica Rinehart, and the two formed Crowns of Courage. “Spending money on a wig just isn’t a priority. So we knew we needed to start this program to provide halo wigs to any child undergoing chemotherapy, at no cost to the family,” Semro said. Ashley Ford | Assistant Publisher CHARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back} 40 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JUNE 2019

Made from the patient’s own hair or donated locks, the halo wigs that Crowns of Courage provides give kids the courage and confidence they need to continue fighting their battles.