The Nassif Community Cancer Center is pleased to announce it now offers Strands of Strength (SOS) services within the cancer center in partnership with Tracy Lacina of Skin Deep Salon and Spa.
Providing Hope for Cancer Patients
SOS was founded in 2012 by a cancer survivor with a mission of instilling hope and confidence in cancer fighters by providing them with free wigs. The organization began in Central Iowa and has since expanded across Iowa, providing more than 6,300 wigs to cancer patients in the state.
SOS partners with salons in different communities to provide this wig-fitting service free-of-charge to patients in a location close to them. Now this service will be available to cancer patients in the Cedar Rapids area within the Community Cancer Center, adding another level of convenience for patients who are already at the medical pavilion for other appointments.
“Women going through treatment deserve to feel confident and beautiful in a time where everything else seems to be filled with change,” said Nicole Gerdin, who leads SOS in Eastern Iowa. “Keeping the process simple is key and having a salon close, or in this case, in the same building as the health care providers will be very helpful for patients.”
What Patients Can Expect
SOS services in the Community Cancer Center will be offered by Tracy Lacina, owner of Skin Deep Salon and Spa in Coralville. Skin Deep has been a SOS partner salon since 2016.
“SOS has been a game-changer in cancer care,” said Lacina. “Before it was established, the cost of hair replacement was an added financial strain. SOS removes that burden and helps to restore dignity and confidence for patients at a time when every ounce of energy counts.”
An appointment with Lacina will last approximately an hour and 15 minutes. Losing hair is personal, so Lacina likes to take time to listen to her clients, allow space for emotion and meet the patient where they are at.
“I will ask the client to bring a photo of their best hair day so we can recreate it as close as possible,” she said. “And for some this is a chance for them to choose the hair they always wanted, and we embrace that too. I also take time to discuss signs and symptoms that come before hair loss to help them prepare mentally. If we have the right color and style in stock, they leave with their wig the same day, as well as a wig stand, a wig comb or brush, a wig cap, and clear instructions for wig care—ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.”
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Patients who would like to book an appointment with Tracy at the Community Cancer Center can call her at (319) 936-1319. Appointments are currently available on Wednesdays, with additional days coming soon. Patients are asked to bring their SOS voucher to the appointment.
