This KVAL-TV story aired Feb 9, 2007 at 6:01 PM PDT (video no longer available)
Eugene teenage cancer surviver inspires others
By Meghan Kalkstein
Eugene - Overcoming cancer is a tough battle at any age, but it can be especially difficult for children. A Eugene teenage cancer survivor is now using her experiences to help her peers.
14 year old Staci Wright lost all of her hair after going through aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Now she and her mother are helping others regain their 'Angel Hair.'
"I was a really great soccer player," says 14 year old Staci Wright. Like any other teenager, Staci loves soccer, and hanging out with her friends. But her life's been complicated.
"A day before Christmas I started getting headaches and they didn't go away for two weeks," says Staci. Her diagnosis? Bone cancer in her skull was growing into her brain. 10 months of chemotherapy and radiation left Staci without hair, that's when her family found the cranial prosthesis.
The cranial prosthesis that Staci wears, looks like and feels like real hair, that's because it is. And it's custom fit in Eugene.
"I cast a model of their cranium and send that off to my manufacturer," explains Janna [Strasheim], owner of Mirage Hair Systems.
The cranial prosthesis is medically adhered to the scalp, and as Janna explains: "then when the prosthesis is placed on my clients head it takes on skin tones and looks like your or my hair follicles."
Staci has been able to afford her cranial prosthesis. She and her mom decided to set up a foundation to help other kids pay the $1,000 price tag.
"The Angel Hair Foundation provides free cranial prosthesis for every child in the state of Oregon who is loosing their hair to aggressive chemotherapy," says president of the foundation, and Staci's mom Debbie Wright.
And for Staci having the chance to live a real teenage life by having real hair again means everything. "Its really great because I can do soccer and do all activities I want to," says Staci.
And one day Staci says her real hair will grow back, meanwhile the foundation has already helped four girls in Oregon.
Debbie and Staci are always looking for more boys and girls under 17 years old to help, and also volunteers to donate. If you'd like more information, you can contact them at 541-344-5135 or email them at angelhairfoundation@yahoo.com