Endometrial cancer: Kimberly's story

It seems so simple, but giving a wig or head wrap to a cancer patient who has lost their hair can make a world of difference when you’re going through cancer, says Kimberly Parker-Walker about the New Era Cap Foundation Elevate Salon at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

“They pamper you,” says Kimberly. “Whether you are into wigs or not, when you get out of bed and get dressed, you need someone else to take care of you and make sure you look better than you feel.” Looking better than how she felt is what helped Kimberly cope the past two years as she underwent cancer treatment. 

Her cancer journey

It began in early 2023 when she started to experience excessive bleeding. She trusted Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to determine exactly what was going on and testing revealed she had stage 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma, a type of uterine cancer. She underwent a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to remove her uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries, performed by Peter Frederick, MD, FACOG, Clinical Chief of Gynecology. 

Uterine cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer. It has a relatively high survival rate of 80% — as high as 90% — if diagnosed early. “At the time, I was told that the cancer was localized, all of it was removed during surgery, and I was cancer-free,” says Kimberly. “Unfortunately, a year later, I developed a mass on my right arm. A biopsy revealed it was the same cancer that was in my uterus.” While uterine cancer can spread to other organs and to bones, it is very rare that it will spread to the arms and legs. 

“After that diagnosis, I received radiation and chemotherapy treatments,” says Kimberly. “After the ninth dose, I had further tests, and the mass had reduced in size.” Then in January of 2025, she began a course of preventative infusions. 

Salon provided another way to cope

Throughout her treatment, the New Era Cap Foundation Elevate Salon provided Kimberly with wigs and other resources to help her manage some of the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, maintain a positive outlook — and to look and feel more like herself. Roswell Park is able to offer these compassionate services thanks to generous donor funding. 

A specialty salon for patients navigating hair loss due to cancer treatment, professional stylists offer several services, including:

• Pretreatment haircuts
• Head shaves
• Personalized wig styling
• Trimming, shaping and more. 

Staff also can help patients select wigs, hair coverings and scarves. She also took a class through The 11 Day Power Play Resource Center to learn how to use makeup to replicate her eyebrows. “I also lost my brows during treatment,” she says. “The class, which was one-on-one, was awesome, and I was given a kit to take home.” Kimberly adds that people don’t often think about the effect that losing your brows has on your appearance. “Your brows frame your entire face,” she says. “I was empowered to do my own brows and it really boosted my mood.” 

Being a healthcare worker for more than 30 years, Kimberly understands the importance of compassionate care. “When I go in for my treatments, the volunteers come around and ask if I need a drink or a warm blanket,” says Kimberly. “The nursing staff and volunteers have a certain type of empathy, and it means a lot.” 

Kimberly knows she couldn’t fight this battle alone. “My family and friends have been by my side during this new difficult journey,” she says. Kimberly treasures her family get-togethers where she and her family play games, laugh, dance and eat lots of delicious foods. She looks forward to a much-needed family vacation soon.

“Having a support system has been essential to recovery. I catch myself smiling through the pain.” She encourages everyone to reach out if someone they know is dealing with hardship or illness. “The smallest of gestures can be so rewarding,” Kimberly adds.